Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon Review

Drew Beard -

BOTTLE DETAILS

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DREW'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Every bourbon drinker you know. And a few you don't. First and foremost, share with fans of Wild Turkey, both those who enjoy classic Turkey and the Russell's Reserve line. There's a little something in this bottle for every Turkey lover.

WORTH THE PRICE: No question. Campari could have easily made this another three-figure limited edition like Generations, but they didn't. I'm not sure who we thank for that, but I'd like to think Jimmy had some input.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle. And I say that without hesitation, both for what the bottle celebrates and the quality of the bourbon inside.

OVERALL: Who has worked at the same place for 70 years? The Buddha of Bourbon, that's who. To honor Jimmy's seven decades, Campari was well within their right to dig up the oldest Wild Turkey they could find and slap a crazy price tag on it. I'm sure it would have been a quality product, and many whiskey critics (myself included) would have tried hard to justify the price. After all, it celebrates the longest, continuous distillery career we'll probably ever see in our lifetimes. But Jimmy has never been a fan of old whiskey. He built his impressive reputation on the 8-year-old 101.

This isn't your standard 8-year 101, however. The addition of hand-selected, 8- and 9-year-old casks from some of Jimmy's favorite rickhouses has elevated that classic Turkey profile; not changed it, necessarily, but amplified it. The nose is an inviting blend of fresh oak and warm baking spice laced with a caramelized sweetness that is rich but also bright. Notes of apricot, candied orange slices, and vanilla custard sing. On the palate, this might be some of the most drinkable Wild Turkey I've ever tasted, the perfect balance of approachability and complexity. Top notes of maple syrup and chewy caramel give way to chocolate, brandied cherry, and dark brown sugar on the mid palate. That dark sugar note extends well into the generous finish, which is sweet but never cloying, and joins notes of cola and candied orange peel on a silky fadeout that demands another sip. And another.

Does this mean Jimmy's beloved age-stated 101 might finally return to the states? Let's hope so. Regardless, this 8-year-old is a fitting tribute to one of the most talented, hard-working, and humble Master Distillers ever to wield a whiskey thief. Happy Anniversary, Jimmy!

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BRAND NOTES

To honor Jimmy’s incredible impact on the bourbon world, Wild Turkey is proud to present the limited-edition Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon.

This collector-worthy release is an 8-Year-Old, 101-proof bourbon, with an additional blend of 8- to 9-year-old whiskeys, hand-selected from a few of Jimmy’s favorite Rickhouses. Best enjoyed neat or over ice, this bourbon is a true tribute to Jimmy’s legacy.

From his earliest days at the distillery sweeping the floors at age 18 to rising through the ranks to become Master Distiller, Jimmy has remained committed to crafting bourbon one way, the right way, even when it wasn’t popular. In the 1970’s and 80’s when the bourbon industry was close to collapse, Jimmy stayed the course. 

When many began favoring lighter spirits, Jimmy refused to dilute his bourbon or change the distilling process at all. Embracing the pre-prohibition style that he learned from his mentor and predecessor Bill Hughes, Jimmy “didn’t change a damn thing.” This approach helped propel the popularity of many of the distillery’s classic bourbons, including Jimmy’s favorite, Wild Turkey 101. He knew bold Kentucky bourbon would always have a place on the bar, a legacy that endures today.

AROMA

Vanilla, oak, and honey with notes of cinnamon, brown sugar, tobacco, and orange peel

TASTE

Sweet cream, vanilla, butterscotch, stone fruit (dates), pecans, and black tea

FINISH

Warming with notes of caramel, dark cherry with a long lingering finish of oak, burnt sugar, and bitter chocolate

PROCESS

101 proof, 8-Year-Old bourbon with additional blend of 8-9YO whiskeys from Jimmy’s favorite rickhouses

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.