Wild Turkey Rare Breed is Wild Turkey's legendary barrel proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, first released in 1991 and bottled at 58.4% ABV in a 700ml bottle, with no water added to reduce the alcohol during bottling. A marriage of Wild Turkey bourbons aged 6, 8 and 12 years, it captures the whiskey's rich, pure character straight from the barrel — medium to full-bodied, with tones of sweet tobacco and hints of orange and mint. Genuinely uncompromised and uncut, it remains one of the most respected barrel-proof bourbons in the category, credited with helping pioneer the barrel-proof movement alongside Booker's in the late 1980s and early 90s.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Tasting Notes.

Nose: Spring flowers balanced by a touch of black pepper and almonds, with caramel, toffee, bright orange zest and light citrus, seasoned oak adding depth.
Palate: Roasted brazil nut and walnut, with dry peppery spiced oak and distinctive salty caramel, tones of sweet tobacco.
Finish: A pleasant finish of oak, tobacco spice and sweetness, with hints of orange and mint.

Why choose Wild Turkey Rare Breed Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Rare Breed has genuine pioneering status in the bourbon world — first released in 1991, it was Wild Turkey's answer to the barrel-proof movement kickstarted by Booker Noe's Booker's in 1988, proving there was real demand for bourbon bottled straight from the barrel with nothing added to soften it. Made from a marriage of Wild Turkey whiskies aged 6, 8 and 12 years, it doesn't carry a formal age statement, but is generally understood to draw from the same stock underpinning the brand's famous 101. One respected reviewer called it "a fantastic example of a barrel proof bourbon that is rich and flavorful without being unbearably hot," and it's widely regarded as one of the best-value entry points into barrel-proof bourbon — genuinely competitive with pricier barrel-proof releases from other distilleries at a fraction of the cost. Best enjoyed neat in a Glencairn glass, or with a few drops of water to open up its caramel, molasses and baking spice character further. A must-stock for any serious bourbon range, and an easy recommendation for customers wanting to step up from standard-proof bourbon into genuine barrel-strength territory.

Wild Turkey

Wild Turkey is a historic Kentucky bourbon distillery based in Lawrenceburg, owned by the Campari Group, with a legacy of craftsmanship guided for decades by the Russell family of Master Distillers — Jimmy Russell, the world's longest-tenured master distiller, his son Eddie, and grandson Bruce. Built on traditional methods, quality ingredients and patience, Wild Turkey's philosophy is captured in its "Trust Your Spirit" ethos, reflected across a range spanning the flagship 101 and 81 proof bourbons through to premium expressions like Kentucky Spirit, Russell's Reserve, Master's Keep, and the newer Austin Nichols Archives Collection.