Kurt’s Big Problem with Wild Turkey 101-What Changed?

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  • Опубліковано 17 лис 2024

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  • @slbdrinks
    @slbdrinks  13 годин тому +7

    What’s your take on Wild Turkey 101? Do you think it’s changed over the years or is it just us? Let us know your thoughts below! Cheers 🥃

    • @jonathanmelton5756
      @jonathanmelton5756 5 годин тому +2

      I go through about two bottles of 101 a year and yes, there is definitely something different about the most recent batches.

    • @1030Blake
      @1030Blake 5 годин тому +3

      I do think something is going on as well. Granted, it was a couple of airplane shots…but the last time I had it they just weren’t good. Having said that, I had some from a bottle at a bar that presumably had been sitting there for a while(more of a beer oriented bar) and it was delicious.

    • @Fatherrick1963
      @Fatherrick1963 5 годин тому

      Not something I usually do in the a.m., but I tried a nip of my 101 bottle which has about 1/3 left in it. Can’t read the lazer code because it partially overlaps the date line, but the date line says 2023/10/26 16
      It tastes okay to me, but that’s just me. 🤔

    • @pauljenkin
      @pauljenkin 5 годин тому +3

      Is it possible they lowered the average age of the whiskey? To account for all of the 8 year required for the 70th anniversary release?

    • @gaborbognarnagy
      @gaborbognarnagy 4 години тому

      Not just the 101 sadly...The rare breed taste also different, bottle to bottle :( And the oldest was the most delicous.

  • @jondilly1974
    @jondilly1974 5 годин тому +13

    Playing flip cup in the outfield is pure Trenton gold

  • @joekirk7909
    @joekirk7909 6 годин тому +24

    To me, Wild Turkey has always been king of bourbon. I wonder if the bigger distilleries such as WT are putting too much effort into their limited releases at the expense of their regular shelf items.

    • @DaveH8905
      @DaveH8905 3 години тому

      They absolutely are.

  • @RobbbbC
    @RobbbbC 5 годин тому +16

    You have to find the ones with laser code JK/420 that was bottles right after they did the single rickhouse bottles and the new guy forgot to rinse the bottling line.

  • @MRpapageorgeo1
    @MRpapageorgeo1 5 годин тому +15

    I found the new label WT 101 tastes different than the old label. You are not wrong.

  • @nighthawk05
    @nighthawk05 2 години тому +4

    No, you guys are onto something. My girlfriend bought a bottle last month, and it tastes nothing like any previous bottle of WT 101 I've had. The bottle I have tastes like cardboard. Another day I put an ice cube in it, and it tasted like cinnamon and cardboard. I was struggling to drink it, and I've always loved WT 101. It's been my favorite budget bourbon for a while. I hope we got a few bad bottles, and this isn't just what it's like now

  • @ericepperson8409
    @ericepperson8409 4 години тому +10

    Bourbon Junkies recently did a blind where they were shocked by how bad their newer bottle of WT 101 did. Personally I think the recent release of the 70th WT probably used up a lot of the better quality bottles that would have gone into rounding out 101.

    • @rrkaminski9
      @rrkaminski9 4 години тому

      Oh yeah - I didn't even make that connection!

  • @benmentock6895
    @benmentock6895 4 години тому +7

    I'm glad I'm not going crazy. 101 was my staple bourbon to sip on... cheap price and I enjoyed it. My most recent couple bottles had seemed off to me and I really wasn't enjoying it. I thought maybe it had something to do with the fact that I had been leaning toward more barrel proofs as of late and that maybe it had shifted my palette. This seems to confirm my suspicions that the recent bottles are just off from their previous consistency in profile. Rare Breed has been my go to since 101 took a dive for me. The price just isn’t near as easy to stomach.

  • @jonwiebusch8734
    @jonwiebusch8734 4 години тому +6

    I have a extra 1.75 of 101 that was bottled in October in 2019 and a old label 1920 if needed.
    The old label 101 is very different. I personally am starting to wonder if when Campari bought them in 09 changed the flavor. They changed the fermenters to stainless steel along with other things.They use to use wood fermenters. They tore them down and now that is the bottling site.
    The reason I think Russell's 15 is so good is that those barrels were made with the wood fermenter at the old location. This also could get back to why new 101 isn't as good. It's possible old 101 has some of those old location barrels mixed in. They would have been roughly 10 years and older.

  • @brandonrathbun4318
    @brandonrathbun4318 4 години тому +3

    This video is perfect timing.
    I just opened a new WT 101 yesterday and thought it tasted off

  • @dustinpulliam9262
    @dustinpulliam9262 4 години тому +3

    Old forester 1910 is a perfect example for me of a bottle that I loved and something changed recently. Emptied my last bottle of it that I bought over a year ago and got a new one a couple months back. The new one doesn’t come close it’s a shell of its former self.

    • @ozarkelmo
      @ozarkelmo 16 хвилин тому

      My experience with 1910 as well!

  • @hookshankhewitt5615
    @hookshankhewitt5615 5 годин тому +7

    Man I got the Turkey 70th anniversary edition Saturday here in Ohio, and its one of the best bottles I have had.

  • @ChuckyLarms
    @ChuckyLarms 5 годин тому +7

    Bourbon shrinkflation: WT 70 is the old “real” 101 and the current 101 is the new lesser product

    • @motohead077
      @motohead077 2 години тому +1

      Yup, that's what I've been saying, too.

  • @jspack71
    @jspack71 4 години тому +3

    I have found the same thing with the old forester 1920, was my favorite bottle but something has definitely changed with it as well

  • @julianirving9868
    @julianirving9868 4 години тому +2

    Gents a fascinating watch. In the UK, WT 101 costs circa $50 to get and I have been disappointed with the last few bottles I have bought, all with the new label. Your video and other comments shows me it's not just me. Sadly it is now time for a change when I fancy a bourbon

  • @jeffrobertson3411
    @jeffrobertson3411 Годину тому +1

    Everyone needs to look at the newer labeled bottles marked with ID 10t on the bottle label! Those are the hidden gems!!!!

  • @billsnyder1067
    @billsnyder1067 6 годин тому +8

    For budget bourbon hard to beat the new Jim Beam 7. WT 101 has been a mixer for me. Drink what you like and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

  • @ChuckyLarms
    @ChuckyLarms 6 годин тому +10

    PSA: All distilleries are making bourbons younger and younger. They are also trying to crank out volume by rushing the distillation process. It’s bringing through more tannins, heads, and tails

    • @llamabones
      @llamabones 6 годин тому +1

      This was more true in Covid times. Knob Creeks now all have a big fat 9 on them, which is about to be the norm again.

    • @e.elliott2307
      @e.elliott2307 6 годин тому +1

      This trend will likely reverse. Mgp (Ross Squibb) sales are down 24% last quarter. The economy is impacting sales, so fewer bottles are selling. Same is happening with wine sales.

    • @lookingbehind6335
      @lookingbehind6335 6 годин тому +2

      Really prevalent in Jack Daniels. Most of their products are undrinkable now, especially #7.

    • @llamabones
      @llamabones 5 годин тому +1

      ??? Jack Daniels might be the most highly praised bourbon producer in the world right now.

    • @lookingbehind6335
      @lookingbehind6335 5 годин тому +1

      @@llamabones
      Only their high end products. Their “everyday/mixer” products are garbage. Something bad has happened to #7.

  • @JordanG_3031
    @JordanG_3031 6 годин тому +6

    SLB Classics
    0:03 we are starting with Trenton’s favorite!
    0:23 rub the $50 dollar salt in Trenton’s wound
    0:45 nice guy Dan H.!
    1:19 Trenton is still clueless
    1:52 what’s wrong with the turkey? Apparently it’s always been mid
    2:35 buy more WT, twist Kurt’s arm
    3:26 these “classic bourbons” are degrading :(
    4:30 Kurt’s nervous tick, keep rolling the glass
    5:38 some Turkey products need their respect
    6:29 WT expert input is requested
    6:56 there’s definitely meaning… we just have no idea what it is
    7:59 Trenton would’ve eaten the sour patch kids off the dugout bench (same)
    8:33 a story time about Trenton’s baseball career
    9:52 ok, back to business
    10:15 Trenton tries to insert the mind noodle
    11:14 Kurt’s hopes are quickly dashed
    12:01 more disappointment:(
    12:16 shout out to @rarebird101
    12:46 the conspiracy theories are starting
    14:42 something Trenton has probably done to grow his palette
    14:59 we do care what you think Kurt!
    16:15 wrap up and conclusions
    16:30 the sad truth about starter budget bottles😢
    17:05 little eyebrow dance to help Trenton read
    17:56 Kurt is getting excited but still sad about the new WT101
    18:29 everything is up from here!
    18:42 sneak peak!! 3v3😮 (dark horse)
    20:02 nice sign off and nod

  • @maxmedina853
    @maxmedina853 6 годин тому +3

    This episode is why I chase older label bottles. Rare Breed and 101 alike
    FYI - my latest 101 showed a discernable difference. From 101 being rated a 8.3 for me to a 7.5

  • @scotteisenbraun1581
    @scotteisenbraun1581 4 години тому +3

    About four months ago my 1.75 of 101 was down to the last few ounces. It was less than 2 weeks old, but was pale like lite beer and tasted sour and flat. I drink it straight. Threw it out and went to Knob Creek since then. The wife me another WT 101 again, which I am now drinking. Not as bad as the last bottle but not what I used to love either.

  • @keithbertrand8843
    @keithbertrand8843 12 хвилин тому

    thank you guys! this is some good PSA. turkey should be held accountable if they have sacrificed quality on the classic.

  • @fredc.meekinsjr.5553
    @fredc.meekinsjr.5553 6 годин тому +4

    I was in a local liquor store last week, and the clerk that has advised me on a number of bottles over the last few months actually told me that Wild Turkey 101 has taken a real nose dive in quality. I also just watched another UA-cam video comparing Russels Reserve 10 year LL/ME to two other batches. There were noticeable differences between the 3 batches with the LL/ME winning by a mile. Just goes to show that there can be substantial variation between batches of the same whiskey. Bottom line, if you find a bottle you really like, go back and by a few of those same laser coded bottles.

  • @therinsig
    @therinsig 5 годин тому +5

    With the creation of a couple new 8 year products (the 70th anniversary and the age stated 8 year that has a TTB label going around) I'm wondering if they're making regular 101 a predominantly 5-6 year bourbon instead of 6-8 year like it usually has been. This would allow them to use the 8 year stock for bottles that have a higher retail price. Kinda sucks, but that could be what's happening here.

  • @grinner68
    @grinner68 6 годин тому +3

    I have also thought the taste profile of WT101 has changed in the past few years. Not horrible, but also not as good. Thanks for the confirmation. I still use it for cocktails, but not for sipping.

  • @mz6267
    @mz6267 2 години тому +1

    Wild Turkey is one of the rare differences between my palate and Kurt’s. I’ve never cared much for anything from that distillery. I’ve tried the 81, 101, Rare Breed bourbons and most recently Russel’s Reserve Rye. For me they are all overwhelmingly ethanol forward with the other flavors being very muted and distant. The one thing I did like was that the Rare Breed was one of only 2 bourbons for me that were actually better on ice than neat. So, Kurt, maybe try those WT 101s you don’t care for on ice and see if it makes a difference to your palate?

  • @spencerjcolling
    @spencerjcolling 6 годин тому +4

    The problem is batching.
    Legacy distilleries have become very consistent on blending flavors together to create near identical batches BUT they aren’t perfect. For example, last year I bought a friend a bottle of WT 101 in December and we had just finished his previous bottle. The new bottle had a strong smokey aroma that we have never noticed with other bottles.
    It also wasn’t as sweet. Much more savory flavors.
    The new batch of Russell’s 10 has everyone excited because they mixed older barrels.
    My first bottle of Buffalo Trace was garbage but I’ve tried a few others since and I now understand the appeal. I’ve even done a side by side comparison of my bottle to someone else’s and the difference was very noticeable.

  • @motohead077
    @motohead077 35 хвилин тому +1

    Not sure if this video was in response to the info in the comments I have been putting out on multiple vids & channels about the significant decline of WT101 & Rare Breed since 2021 or before. I was the only one commenting on that for 101, though it could just be a 'coincidence'.
    Others have also commented/posted on Rare Breed's decline.
    For those that haven't read it, will share what I know below & hopefully some others can share what they know to fill in the gaps for all of us that would like to know exactly when WT 101 (and Rare Breed) went "bad".
    Had a lot of 101 up to ~2016 & then none until 2024. Thought it tasted MUCH better back in 2016, though did not have any to check. So I learned how to find the bottling date printed on every bottle & was on the hunt for a WT "dusty".
    FYI; you can't go by the bottle design or label when trying to source the whiskey inside. ONLY the bottling date is relevant and you will see why below.
    In Aug 2024 got lucky & found six WT 101 750mL bottles on the shelf, all with the old label. Checked the dates & there was one bottled 10-17-2017 & five bottled 1-20-2021.
    So I bought one of each date.
    *Did extensive blind tasting with four different WT 101 bottles; those two old label WT 101 above & two new labels, bottled 11/4/2022 & 4/6/2023.
    After 3+ blind tastings from Glencairns, here is what I found;
    The juice bottled on 10-17-2017 was significantly & very noticeably better than the other three.
    It was no contest.
    The 2017 dusty is at least twice as good on nose & palate & there were no off putting nutty notes, like there is on the newer stuff.
    All the other 3 tasted the same. Note that includes the old label bottle, bottled on 1-20-2021.
    So, sometime before WT switched labels AND before 1-20-2021, is when they started putting in the lower quality juice.
    If anyone has bottles between those dates, please post some info, so we can narrow in on when exactly the last good 101s were bottled.
    Remember; just hunting for old labels will not get you the old/great juice, you can only find that by the bottling date.
    Just some background;
    By no means am I an expert or even sensitive taster. So for me to say something is 2Xs as good as another whiskey, it has to be very obvious. People with more trained palates & noses would likely find greater differences in these WT 101 batches.
    Cheers & good luck on the hunt!

  • @justinv548
    @justinv548 5 годин тому +2

    With higher demand for rare breed, the massive jimmy russell drop and some of the step ups in the 10 and 15 year one might expect that younger whiskey had to go into the cheaper offerings

  • @TheMNbassHunter
    @TheMNbassHunter 6 годин тому +5

    One beef I have with Wild Turkey is that some of the best stuff isn't even available in the US. Why can we get the 12yr or the unfiltered Rare Breed?!

    • @motohead077
      @motohead077 28 хвилин тому

      We can NOT get those in the U.S. market

  • @thetr00per30
    @thetr00per30 7 годин тому +2

    The WT 101 8 year is fantastic though, I was lucky enough to find two bottles, I am very pleased with it. I am glad to hear they are releasing it on a ongoing basis now.

  • @robertschroeder1978
    @robertschroeder1978 5 годин тому +1

    Kurt, I personally enjoy my Turkey 101 as my regular go to in the budget friendly line. I haven't had any issues with the bottles purchased in the past three months. Not sure on the lot numbers though. Trenton, well everything tastes link tree branches, swamp grass, marks or something.... (Smiles & Laughter)
    Thanks for the video gentleman.

  • @brianlongman9559
    @brianlongman9559 3 години тому +1

    I completely agree that 101 changed. 101 was always my go to, but when I bought a new bottle a few months ago, I found it considerably less enjoyable... Oaky and char. No sweetness and no nuttiness.

  • @paleggett1897
    @paleggett1897 47 хвилин тому +1

    Could be many factors(and more):
    Money
    New owners
    Pay dividends over products

  • @benc5239
    @benc5239 2 години тому +1

    Part of the change for me has been finding other bottles that are better for the price. I would rather have a Still Austin over a 1920. A Coopers Craft 100 over a WT 101.

  • @RandalErickson-hb5vr
    @RandalErickson-hb5vr 3 години тому +1

    The 2003 WT dusty I opened tastes so much better than the current WT 101.

  • @RuSalas
    @RuSalas 6 годин тому +4

    Over the years, I’ve noticed a significant impact of air on bourbon, as it oxidizes once opened-something most of us are aware of but often overlook. However, it's important to remember that lower-proof bourbons tend to oxidize more quickly. To preserve your whiskey, consider gassing your bottles with an inert gas like argon or wine preserver ( a can with yellow top).
    Here’s an experiment to illustrate: Open two single barrel picks of Buffalo Trace. Pour a few drinks from one and leave it ungassed. Then, 20-30 days later, compare it to a freshly opened bottle. You’ll likely notice a distinct difference in taste and aroma.
    Some bottles are particularly prone to noticeable changes. For example, 1792 Sweet Wheat can change in just a week, and many double-oaked bourbons (especially at lower proofs) show rapid shifts. Other bottles like Elmer T. Lee, Blanton’s, and E.H. Taylor also oxidize quickly if not properly stored.
    As for Wild Turkey 101, while it was my go-to bourbon for years when bar selections were limited, I’ve noticed changes in its profile over time. With the exception of standout editions like the 70th Anniversary and the Japanese 12-year, I’ve largely stopped buying it-both for home and at bars.

    • @DrWarbird
      @DrWarbird 6 годин тому +2

      Wine preserver will change the flavor. I've tried it. Creating a vacuum works.

    • @RuSalas
      @RuSalas 4 години тому

      @DrWarbird no issues here.

    • @mattschmitt9924
      @mattschmitt9924 4 години тому +2

      Your experiment sounds interesting. Fresh cracks often are harsh to me so I could see that those 2 bottles would be different. To add to the experience you could do 3 bottles. One stays closed. One is like you said with some pours taken and not gassed. The last would have some pours taken and then gassed. I would be curious to experience the difference in the unopened vs the gassed or even vacuum sealed.
      I feel whiskey, like wine, usually benefits from some oxidation. Different types need or can stand different levels of oxidation. Obviously this can go too far and ruin the juice. Good reason to drink your bottles.

    • @RuSalas
      @RuSalas 4 години тому

      @mattschmitt9924 my rule is, if it's good at fresh crack, gas or vacuum it. Finding that sweet spot does take time.

    • @DrWarbird
      @DrWarbird 4 години тому

      @@RuSalas The wine preserver I tried made it taste flat and watered down after about 6 months of "preserving". It was an aerosol can with a purple cap. I find a vacuum will keep it as is basically forever.

  • @run-a-milekyle3835
    @run-a-milekyle3835 4 години тому +1

    My 101 I bought a year ago tastes fine to me. Going to crack open the 70th anniversary bottle I got while on vacation to compare soon.

  • @Brad_Boersma
    @Brad_Boersma 6 годин тому +3

    Classy move, Dan. Well done. 👍🏻

  • @fredc.meekinsjr.5553
    @fredc.meekinsjr.5553 6 годин тому +2

    101 used to be my go to for mixed drinks. My last purchases have been Old Forrester 100 and Jim Beam 7 year. Getting Jim Beam 7 at $28 for a 1.75 liter makes that an easy decision.

    • @Brad-ic4bp
      @Brad-ic4bp 6 годин тому +1

      101 was also my cocktail bourbon, until I switched to Old Grandad Bonded. Just prefer it more than 101 straight in a glass.

  • @tpiece3
    @tpiece3 Годину тому

    If it’s true that they have moved the fermentation process from oak barrels to stainless steel tanks then that would be the reason for the change in flavor profile. Stainless steel doesn’t breathe, it doesn’t impart wood sugars, and it controls bacterial growth. It would be a vastly different product than tasting bourbon that was fermented in wood. You have less loss and you have more control over the flavor consistency with stainless steel but you do so to the detriment of flavor.

  • @pumagutten
    @pumagutten 6 годин тому +1

    Kurt, I purchased my first 101 Wild Turkey in April 2020. It was fantastic! The last bottle I purchased in October 2023 was not as good. The last one was with the new label. You might have a point!

  • @HarryPowers-y1r
    @HarryPowers-y1r 6 годин тому +1

    I'm fairly new to the bourbon world. I got a bottle of 101 a month ago after hearing a lot of good things about it. I was very disappointed. Wasn't overwhelmed by Rare Breed either. I do, however, really enjoy Rare Breed Rye. I'll keep the 101 for mixers. Thanks, gents!

  • @dawson0000
    @dawson0000 5 годин тому +1

    I noticed earlier this year that I wasn't enjoying WT101 like I used to so I stopped buying it and switched to Early Times BiB or Buffalo Trace as a "go-to daily" pour.

  • @raluboon
    @raluboon 6 годин тому +2

    I started my bourbon journey at the beginning of this year, and your channel has been a guiding light for my exploration. WT101 was an easy place to start, and I've consistently enjoyed it. I've since gone deeper and wider in my purchases, but I try to always have a bottle of 101 on hand. I haven't noticed any significant depreciation in the quality of it in this short time, but I have noticed that I tend to like bourbons with a lower rye content. So maybe in that way, I have come to like other bottles a lot more, and I probably have lowered my opinion of WT101 subconsciously. For me, it's a bottle to have around so I don't drink my nicer bottles. But for that purpose, I think it's fantastic. I can't think of anything else for the price that I would rather have in that role.

    • @markmasercola3958
      @markmasercola3958 5 годин тому +1

      Try the Benchmark line. I believe their mash bill has less rye than WT more in line with regular Buffalo Trace.

    • @raluboon
      @raluboon 3 години тому

      @@markmasercola3958 Here in town, all I can get is the Benchmark "old no. 8", which is okay, and sometimes I can get the Benchmark Bonded, which is significantly better. The bonded is straight up butterscotch to me. It's very tasty. When I can get it, I definitely will.

  • @dustinpulliam9262
    @dustinpulliam9262 3 години тому +1

    I’m starting to believe the old label/new label rumors sometimes cause my rare breed with the new label doesn’t taste like my old label one did. Still very good but it is different

  • @MAC_barrels_sticks
    @MAC_barrels_sticks 6 годин тому +2

    Could possibly be that they used all of the better barrels for the 70th Anniversary release.

  • @user-YouTuber22
    @user-YouTuber22 4 години тому +1

    We had lots of mild weather over the past 8 years since I moved to the area. That could have contributed.

  • @anthonyallegro1177
    @anthonyallegro1177 5 годин тому +1

    You are not wrong at all. It is different than it used to be. The older label is better. I have drank many handles of 101. The new is not a good. Due to this I hunted handles ranging from 2013-2020, glad to have 12 of them as backups

  • @oggaspack7971
    @oggaspack7971 Годину тому

    Thank you for making this. I agree! But most people i know look at me like im crazy for not liking wild turkey

  • @donknott
    @donknott 5 годин тому +2

    Now I have to look at the codes for WT 101, just great. In the past, I never had to worry about that.

    • @motohead077
      @motohead077 15 хвилин тому

      @@donknott Not really. ALL the new labels are bad & some of the old labels are bad, too.
      You 1st have to find the old label & then look at the dates & find something bottled before 1-20-2021. Not sure exactly when the cut-off date is, so buy the oldest. Know for sure, that 1-20-2021 to present is the bad 101.

  • @drrobert8678
    @drrobert8678 6 годин тому

    I totally agree. My last WT 101 bottle kill was not replaced, and I have no plans to. The last bottle did seem different, like something was off. Without starting another debate by naming names, I have other 101 proof point bottles in the same price range that have been good substitutes.

  • @danjohnson1809
    @danjohnson1809 2 хвилини тому

    This validates my thoughts that 101 had a dip in quality

  • @jonlenaway
    @jonlenaway 5 годин тому +4

    I still don’t understand the flavor meme “crafty.” I’ve never sipped a whiskey and mentally tagged it “crafty.”

    • @tomn4993
      @tomn4993 4 години тому +3

      Same. @slbdrinks please say more about this note. I originally thought "crafty" was good...

    • @datsgornoj8199
      @datsgornoj8199 2 години тому +1

      crafty to me means wet hay and barnyard dirt. I am sure that's not what Kurt means though. 🤣🤣

    • @alanwright1257
      @alanwright1257 2 години тому +2

      I've always assumed crafty=young. And to hide the youngness of the product, they finish it in some way.

    • @MrCritterJohn
      @MrCritterJohn 2 години тому +1

      Yeah it’s confusing since a craft bourbon can be fantastic.

    • @easyeas497
      @easyeas497 Годину тому +1

      If you go to local “craft” distilleries you can legitimately taste the imperfections of “craft” spirits. Not just a bourbon thing… There is a reason all of the legacy distilleries can knock it out of the park, and taste zero of those weird flavors.

  • @DavidHendershot-g5g
    @DavidHendershot-g5g 6 годин тому +1

    Since the 70th anniversary came out I’ve not picked up the regular WT101 Looking forward to the regular 8yr release next yr.

  • @shoot2thrillp2k
    @shoot2thrillp2k 4 години тому +1

    I have 2 of the previous label's bunkered away. I'll be opening one of them when my son turns 21 (19ish years from now)

  • @christophergilbert4338
    @christophergilbert4338 5 годин тому +2

    I just recently got a new bottle and was wondering the same thing. It seemed off to me compared to my previous one. I already threw out my old bottle, so I'm not sure about the number, but I can check my new one. I figured it was me since I hadn't had it in a month or so, but I'm guessing I was right in thinking it was different. I honestly have been grabbing Green River more often lately.

  • @TheWoolyninja4
    @TheWoolyninja4 6 годин тому +1

    The bottle I have has been on the shelf for nearly a year but I always felt WT101 was a cinnamon/baking spice and peanut bomb. I don't mind it by itself but its a go to in any of my cocktails that favor that spice flavor.

  • @noworldforeric
    @noworldforeric 6 годин тому +1

    Lot of people been saying their Henry McKennas especially for the price have been mid or not good. I paid 65$ for mine and I absolutely love it. I think people miss their whiskey being half the price at MSRP and available, so they're more harshly critiquing it at a different price point.

    • @Brad-ic4bp
      @Brad-ic4bp 6 годин тому

      I’ve seen variation in Henry McKenna, but not more than you’d expect from a single barrel, and never a “bad” bottle.

    • @spencerjcolling
      @spencerjcolling 5 годин тому

      I’ve had an awesome bottle of HenryM but I’ve also had a terrible bottle. So bad that we proved it in a blind against 8 other 100 proof whiskeys and it came in last place.

    • @noworldforeric
      @noworldforeric 5 годин тому

      @ I had a pour of it at a bar and really liked it and I like my bottle better than the pour I had. I’m sure I’ll get a bad one eventually but I would pay 65$ for it over even something like Blantons any day. Thats just me.

  • @TheWhiskeyRambler
    @TheWhiskeyRambler 6 годин тому +9

    My guess would be that the really good barrels and the older barrels that would normally go into standard 101 where diverted to the 70th anniversary release so that and I’ve heard the 8 year age statement is going to be continued release, so I’d be willing to bet the standard 101 may take a hit in quality for a while.

    • @motohead077
      @motohead077 24 хвилини тому

      Yes, that could explain it getting even worse, but that doesn't explain what happened sometime before 1-20-2021. Check my post here for details.

  • @gabrieltiso8537
    @gabrieltiso8537 2 хвилини тому

    The bottle of 101 I bought is used for making Kentucky mules. Finding it pretty difficult to sip from the sub $30 shelf these days

  • @michaelrobertson8791
    @michaelrobertson8791 59 хвилин тому

    Thank you! I love 101 and the last couple bottles has not been the same! No caramel tasty ness ! Yes it taste Jim Bean !

  • @argensardefs6004
    @argensardefs6004 7 годин тому +4

    After all the glowing reviews i finally got myself some 101 as its one of the better priced bourbons here where i live. i found it so offensive i poured the bottle down the sink :/ maybe wt ships their bad barrels to australia but i’ll gladly stick to elijah craig from now on

  • @tobym9045
    @tobym9045 3 години тому

    There used to be a distinct difference between Wild Turkey and Wild Turkey 101. Now I feel that there is not much difference at all. Until recently I had an older bottle with the older label. It tasted distinctly different than the new 101. It seemed to me to be much smoother with a hint more sweet tones.

  • @nickp5511
    @nickp5511 4 години тому

    Nice video! I started my journey two years ago and I really didn’t enjoy WT 101 or Kentucky Spirit very much at all. I really enjoy the Rare Breed and all the Russell’s lineup. So I’m no help on this subject. That being said the next video sounds great and I’m ready to watch! Cheers!

  • @oldtoad76
    @oldtoad76 6 годин тому +6

    Trent only likes whiskey that tastes like sweet tarts. Lol

    • @jonlenaway
      @jonlenaway 3 години тому

      @@oldtoad76 also other than whiskey, his other hobbies seem to be eating candy and sniffing markers. Since those are the comparisons in nearly every video.

  • @Urban-bourbon
    @Urban-bourbon 3 години тому +2

    Regarding palette: our palette is conditioned by everything we taste/eat/drink/smell.
    Our palettes definitly change. So, what you “like” today will often change. This goes for all food and drink.

    • @lookingbehind6335
      @lookingbehind6335 Годину тому

      Yes, much like the Miracle Whip to mayonnaise preference.

  • @SRVandDtrouble
    @SRVandDtrouble 4 години тому

    It is impossible to scale up production as all distilleries have and not have qc issues and profile drift. This is and will be the double edge sword of the growth of the industry for the next decade or so.

  • @tommowry82
    @tommowry82 5 годин тому

    I started with 101 two years ago. It was my go to. I then began trying different bourbons and I have spent a lot of time with Old Forester Signature over the past year. Last week I bought a bottle of 101 again for the first time in months. I will just say it is not what I remembered. Perfectly pleasant but I would rather have my Old Forester. I thought it was just my pallet changing.

    • @fortyoneshades
      @fortyoneshades 5 годин тому

      Probably your refined palate. You found what you like. I also started two years ago and my first bottle was WT101. I keep hearing about these tasty Old Forester bottles and I have not found a single one I like at all. But I can drink WT101 every day.

  • @davidteller7681
    @davidteller7681 7 годин тому +4

    My only WT is a Ky Spirit cn-f that is very good

  • @datsgornoj8199
    @datsgornoj8199 3 години тому +7

    I believe now that distilleries have realized they can charge ridiculous amounts of money for mediocre bourbon, they have decided to make their budget line, actually budget. Pencil pushing, desk jockeys are not going to allow a single penny to be lost with a decent barrel getting into a budget bottle. Those days are over.

  • @manitobuckles
    @manitobuckles 7 годин тому

    Easily my favourite -- go to pour.
    Sounds like trouble in paradise, Kurt!
    Cant wait to watch after work....
    Cheers from Winnipeg! 🥃

  • @louismeszoros4574
    @louismeszoros4574 Годину тому

    Kurt, I just took a pour of my Wild Turkey 101, and mine is fine, I’ll say a little lighter but smooth across the palette, I have L on the back of the bottle only, however it’s fine by me😊

  • @graveshotx
    @graveshotx 3 години тому +1

    I bet Wild turkey (Campari) started phasing out older barrels from WT101 to make more LE's. I bet if you had a bottle of Wild Turkey from 2020 and put it against the Jimmy Russel 70th birthday bottle, they'd taste pretty similar. It's a shame.

    • @motohead077
      @motohead077 4 хвилини тому

      @@graveshotx That seems to be exactly what the deal is. I have a 101 from 10-17-2017 so may be able to find out for myself.

  • @jeremymcbride
    @jeremymcbride 5 годин тому

    speaking of turkey and buffalo trace - You guys should get one of those Doc Holiday 15s that Harry posted up a few days ago if any are left - It is Austin Nichols Turkey, distilled by BT and tanked in the 90s, according to the distributors notes.

  • @Ryan1189.
    @Ryan1189. 2 години тому

    I'm not a big tasting note guy but I definitely thought something was "off" with my last bottle of 101

  • @JimboGrace81
    @JimboGrace81 3 години тому

    I recently bought some 101 after a while of being out. I personally thought it was better than I remembered. I was getting the sweetness with the sweet/sour characteristic and the nice barrel char. I actually drank it side by side with JDSBBP and i enjoyed the 101 over that pour. I also have Early Times BIB but don’t really like it.

  • @umami0247
    @umami0247 5 годин тому

    I haven’t noticed any difference yet but I’ll try a new bottle here soon and we shall see. WT is one of my favorites so if something is changing that would be very unfortunate. Maybe it’s just an off couple of batches. And remember both Bruce and his father have a different palate than Jimmy and this may have a different flavor profile than what we are used to. Time will tell. Jimmy likes more sweet and fruity flavors and Bruce likes bold and more spice.

  • @ianreynolds494
    @ianreynolds494 3 години тому

    Wild Turkey has the biggest batch variance of any of the legacy distillers in my experience. On the plus side you sometimes get bottles that hit waaay above their prices point like the Russel's Reserve that you guys covered recently. On the negative side you get lower priced products that are hit or miss like in this video. I also feel like they have pulled more barrels for Limited release or other very high price bottles than a lot of other distilleries so the high end barrels are getting funneled away more so than in the past. Batch Variance is overlooked in Whiskey recommendations.

  • @LP23D6
    @LP23D6 4 години тому

    9:30 am and I'm tasting 101 and taking notes! Good thing I'm retired. LOL
    Not much on the nose at all even after resting 15 min. Palate: Light sweetness then a root beer/ anise flavor, then medium charred oak. Medium mouth feel and medium long finish. I was surprised it was that complex. I like my bottle. (O24H) I tried my 101 against a Russel's 10 year I have and like the 101 better. Cheers.

  • @denniskirschbaum9109
    @denniskirschbaum9109 2 години тому

    For a value bourbon I prefer Old Forester 100 but when the store doesn't have that, I get the WT 101 and I like it fine. Yes, I think it is less sweet than OF But I don't find it offensive in any way when drinking neat and it makes a fine old fashioned.

  • @jameskeating1952
    @jameskeating1952 5 годин тому

    I have had a very similar experience with several bottles of WT this year, including the 70 year pour.
    Always liked WT in the past….

  • @jeffl4896
    @jeffl4896 Годину тому

    I’m with Trenton with feeling 4 Roses being utterly forgettable. Although I’ve had good luck with Wild Turkey. Also like Woodford, and many Buffalo trace products.

  • @ironmantran
    @ironmantran Годину тому

    Interesting ! Here, in Ontario Canada, my new batches since mid-Summer also differ from my earlier batches. (dated : 2024/07/09-19 and - 01 ) . . . Very interesting ! !

  • @joeyboomdrums
    @joeyboomdrums 6 годин тому

    I agree. Some thing is off with my last bottle. Disappointing. Will not be restocking it anytime soon

  • @williamprice1542
    @williamprice1542 4 години тому

    My most recent 101 bottle is a year old and it seemed completely "normal " for what I was expecting 😂

  • @brentpanneck1294
    @brentpanneck1294 2 години тому

    I am a Wild Turkey 101 fan, but also really like Angels Envy... similar experience with AE. Previous 3 bottles all were great, but picked up a bottle this last week and it has been disappointing... assumed it was my taste buds.

  • @Fluffy_mania
    @Fluffy_mania 2 години тому

    Honestly I thought it was just me thinking this recently. I Bartend in Orlando Area. At the end of the night i typically pour a drink. I drink a mix of 101, Buffalo, and Makers there. But recently poured a mix drink with the 101 and after a sip. I was like what the hell is that. Thinking i poured the wrong thing. But no i didn't. Something about these new lables does taste different. Luckly we do still have some older turkey bottles. Tired it with that again and the drink was fine!

  • @katzsteel
    @katzsteel 5 годин тому

    😂 My son spent a lot of time in the outfield kickin’ dirt and chasing butterflies!

  • @aznbeerbelly77
    @aznbeerbelly77 5 годин тому

    Wild Turkey 101 used to be my favorite daily. I have a handle that I've been working on for over a year now. It tastes young, astringent, and thin. Definitely got worse. Just picked up the 70th Anniversary, and it's way better as I did a side by side. My last bottle OF 1920 from last year was not good as well, and that used to be one of my staple buys. Not sure if that was a bad batch or what.

  • @Fish-Erman
    @Fish-Erman Годину тому +1

    About 2 years ago I bought a bottle of Knob Creek 9, and I HATED it, it was nasty. Last week someone gifted me a bottle of
    , you guessed it, Knob Creek 9. So we opened it together and had a sip. It was SOOO much better than my first experience, it was actually quite awesome! Is it normal for a bourbon really change that much over the years?

    • @motohead077
      @motohead077 12 хвилин тому

      @@Fish-Erman Was that an older bottle of KC9 that you liked?
      Had a lot of the original KC9 only made from 1992 to 2016. Anything after that, whether age stated or not, doesn't come close to the original.

  • @Farwalker2u
    @Farwalker2u 3 години тому

    I have wondered: how is it possible for distillers to put out thousands of gallons of a particular product and be consistent in taste over those tens of thousands of bottles per year, and do it for decades.

  • @randallflores-qr8cs
    @randallflores-qr8cs 59 хвилин тому

    I usually buy a bottle of WT 101, and a bottle of Captain Morgan, right before thanksgiving (they last me all year) , this was a let down to hear. Any suggestions on a replacement in the same price range?

  • @jacobwestern
    @jacobwestern 5 годин тому

    The 8 year 70th is fantastic.

  • @williamcornelison4721
    @williamcornelison4721 7 годин тому

    This the funniest Show... Baseball stories were a belly laugh for sure..

  • @Minnesota7thst
    @Minnesota7thst 4 години тому

    WT 101 tastes like sharpies now. I have older turkey and new turkey and the old stuff is something else. New stuff, markers.

  • @jmsparger4339
    @jmsparger4339 6 годин тому

    My new label is the same Wild Turkey as ever. If y'all are getting a wet cardboard note that means they use more tails in the batch. Call and let them know it's off.

  • @Futureguitarist15
    @Futureguitarist15 6 годин тому

    I picked up a couple 50ml of 101 recently to give it a try after seeing your vids commending it and wasn't impressed. I know everyone's pallet is different so i just wrote it off as not my preference but its interesting to see a difference from someone who regularly drinks it. Not that i thought it was bad for the price range, it was fine and id be happy if a friend poured it for me. There are just many other sub $30 bottles that I'd rather have like evan williams BiB, benchmark single, maker's mark, jim 7 etc

  • @coltknight3945
    @coltknight3945 6 годин тому +1

    Ive also noticed a decline in Old Forrester products. 1920 was my favorite, no its just meh

  • @bobadsit1813
    @bobadsit1813 3 години тому

    Where do you see the lettering on the bottle?? I can’t find any of the markers you mentioned.