LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. — Wild Turkey, the iconic American bourbon brand from Kentucky, announces its launch of a new variant in India as part of an ever-growing global expansion. The award-winning Wild Turkey portfolio has been a praised whiskey available in Australia, Japan, and other countries within Asia-Pacific including India, and has now officially released its new variant in India, Wild Turkey 81.
Increased by just one proof from the standard release Turkey, Wild Turkey 81 is characterized by the bold, authentic full-bodied flavor, and is aimed at the Bourbon drinker set on blending the spirit in cocktails.
“Introduction of our premium American bourbon in our India portfolio makes it much stronger. A perfect serve to kick start the evenings, The bourbon is the choice for consumers looking for easier drinking options without losing the big flavors and is expected to become the preferred choice for bourbon connoisseurs” says Ashutosh Rajput, Country Manager, Campari India.
A lot has changed since the first batch of bold Wild Turkey was made over several generations ago. But the bourbon hasn’t. The iconic brand, led by father and son Master Distiller team Jimmy and Eddie Russell, still make real Kentucky Straight Bourbon the same way—the right way.
Wild Turkey 81 Proof was crafted by Eddie Russell, the son of the Wild Turkey master distiller Jimmy Russell, as a way to experience the true bold flavor of Wild Turkey at an approachable ABV. The elder Russell has historically sworn by the level of 101 proof (50.5 percent alcohol) that has been the hallmark of their whiskies. The younger Russell has argued for a lower proof spirit that would appeal to younger drinkers, with their tendency toward mixing, and succeeded with the “81.”
Using a mix of aged six-, seven- and eight-year-old whiskies (much older than what’s typical for its price point), he created a Bourbon that shines through concoctions, especially when used in cocktails. Its high rye mash matured in heavily charred casks provides big flavor at a more approachable ABV than 86.8 or 101. Tasted neat, it demonstrates the iconic Kentucky bourbon flavors that are the result of generations-old processes. Wild Turkey “81” exhibits the full-frontal signature corn mash that is the hallmark of all bourbons and the long, rich, full-bodied character that comes from aging in #4 alligator char American oak barrels.
Through the years, Jimmy and Eddie’s yin and yang approach have catapulted The Wild Turkey Distilling Co. into an innovation think tank while staying true to the bold spirit at the heart of the brand. Jimmy, known famously across the globe as “The Buddha of Bourbon” taught his protĂ©gĂ© son Eddie the ropes of making bourbon the old fashioned way, while encouraging him and his distilling cohorts to rise to modern consumption trends in American Whiskey – experimenting with age statements, aging techniques and barrel placement, evident in both older and newer marks.
An amber-bronze hue, the bourbon starts with a fragrant aroma of honey and caramel and kicks off on the palate with the trademark Wild Turkey sweetness, then transforms in notes of maple and vanilla, finishing with a sharp, toasty finish.
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