Maker’s Mark rotates barrels, Wild Turkey does not. Also, Turkey has three maturation campuses - each has their own profile attributes. Wild Turkey 101 has always been “batchy.” Even the dusty stuff varies from year to year. It’s a $25 bottle. I wouldn’t sweat it too much. Cheers!
101 has long been a personal favorite of mine. I usually replace the bottle about every 5 to 6 weeks and agree that it can be "batchy" as Rare Bird puts it. The variances aren't wildly pronounced in general, for me personally, but some are definitely better than others. If something is different enough to catch my attention, it's usually something really, really good. Sometimes it can be lesser than as well. However, I did have a bottle earlier this year that tasted like lemongrass herbal tea - like the rye content was far higher than it usually is and completely took over the bottle. I used that bottle for cocktails, took a few weeks off 101, and then went back to it. Happy to say my old stalwart returned to normal. I would be interested to see if the guys could get someone in who also really likes 101 and have them taste these bottles. My guess is that RB is right, and that the current batch available in the area just ain't it for Kurt. But it would be interesting to see if these are actually bad bottles, or simply a profile variant issue that hopefully passes.
@ I appreciate the video and the comparison. It’s a good illustration of something we’re aware of but others may not be. But at the end of the day, $25.
I wonder if some batches are not the same this year because of the Wild Turkey 70th anniversary edition. WT may have pulled a lot of 8 year barrels out of the normal 101 to make the 70th anniversary bottle.
Gentlemen, hope you both are doing well. I am just starting out on my bourbon journey and came across your channel through the suggested section of a recent Brewzle video. And I've got to say, I love your channel. I think you both provide your own unique insights and opinions on the various whiskeys you discuss in your videos, and it's helping me to decide on what non-allocated bottles I need to try or look out for when I am hunting. It's also refreshing to see a father and son do something together that you clearly both enjoy and have clear passion. You've got a subscruber and viewer in me. Keep doing what you are doing and I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday (and allocated bourbon hunting) season!
Was a big 101 fan and noticed the change before watching both your videos. Something is definitely off and I don’t plan to buy again. Thanks for taking the time to dive in.
I was just at Wild Turkey this past weekend and on the Tour they did mention that they changed the proof that they go into the barrels several years ago. I think right around 2018 they changed it to the current. It's something like 115p now. Prior they had it at 107p. They still take it down to 101 but that proof will definitely change the flavor in the batch while its aging.
I know my palate has changed in the past 20 years. But no matter what, Wild Turkey 101 will forever hold a special place in my heart. WT101 was my grandfather's preferred bourbon and it was alway and I mean always in his liquor cabinet...which was always unlocked when I was a teen...if you are picking up what I am putting down.
This is a great example of how weather and other conditional variations affect distilleries. Changes in grains from year to year, the difference in growing conditions of the oak used in barrels... all variables. Then add the ultimate variable... the human factor. This is the reason to buy a case when you find the flavor profiles you really like. My opinion.
Rebecca, I usually buy a bottle of WT101 about every six months. It’s my go to warm up pour. It is also what I serve people who are new to whiskey. I’ve never yet had an off profile bottle. I find it to be extremely consistent for me. I’ve purchased larger bottles as well as the standard 750ml. All have been spot on for me. I will say that the Jimmys 70th release this year was a touch better than the standard release.
Agreed - I don’t think this is a mystery. The old bottles of 101 have 6-8+ year barrels. The new ones don’t, they’ve culled everything that is 8+ for special releases including 70, single rickhouse, 13, 15, etc. Almost all of those barrels used to get blended into 101. Now they’re not.
I took the tour at Wild Turkey on Nov 20. Our guide said that they have received approval for a new 101 label for 2025. The new label will feature an 8 year age statement.
I have a bottle of the Russel’s 10 LL/MF and compared it to a bottle I bought early in the year and found it completely disappointing. It was a heavy, bitter oak, and I couldn’t get past the taste could not find any other flavors in it and dumped what I had in my glass. I’ll try it again over Christmas and maybe a couple months after that, but if the profile doesn’t change I hate to say it, but it would be a drain pour for me. I don’t drink mixed drinks. The Russell 10 from earlier in the year was way better.
I'm glad you guys did this - i come across bottles all the time that taste "off" - my palette is likely worse than you guys but i pick up grassy/grainy notes when a bad one hits. Crazy as it sounds 101, Weller Green and Weller Red have all done that to me. One great bottle and then one that you're left wondering what the heck happened?!?!
Purchased my first bottle of WT101 4 months ago, I was a long time Weller SR, and Beam white label guy. Always heard of WT101 being a lot of people's favorite so decided to try it. Initial reaction was that it tasted terrible, and how could people possibly like it. Let it open up for a month and it just never got better. Assuming I got one of the newer bottles as well, who knows. Since then I have tried Russell's 10 and rare breed and really enjoy those.
I think you are on to something real. I’ve only been into bourbon a few years, but have noticed a change in some of my favorite bottles - and none for the better. Old Forester was an early favorite of mine and the last year of production or so, they have slipped - I get distinct acetone notes now. Early batches of the JEP Decnater were very good, but later batches not so much. Are some distilleries cutting corners to meet demand? That’s my guess. Wish they’d get back to batch consistency - some have lost my business as it stands now…
This is so informative, and in line with what one would expect. Your #1 bottle in the new label you bought a couple years ago right when the label changed, so it’s the same as the prior label batching, so the order makes sense. And the newest is last place. The only odd thing is the 8 year didn’t come in 1st, but it was close enough at 2nd place. So nothing weird to me.
Does 101 have a natural cork? I have been a professional bartender for years and one time, years ago, I did get a “corked” bottle of high west. As wine enthusiasts know, you get wet cardboard on the nose and it just tastes “off.” There are also varying levels of cork when it is turned. That is what this sounds like. A slightly corked bottle.
Love what you guys do. I enjoy the content a lot. Obviously, everyone's taste is different, but given that, what scares me or bothers me the most, is that you can't trust the label (batches) to be consistent enough to make you feel like you're not in a crap shoot and wasting your money.
I think the most likely situation is that the bottles are just inconsistent now due to the bourbon boom. They say it's aged 6 to 8 years. So I'd imagine to try and keep up with the spike in demand they got less picky with the barrels and are just taking what they have. You just can't adjust to that huge change in demand quickly because of how long it takes to age whiskey and because it's a cheap bottle, I'd say they weren't too worried about inconsistencies. Yeah taste can change over time but it shouldn't be that stark of a contrast that quickly.
I would like a blind were you both smell and taste with no comments to influence each other. Would be a very interesting challenge in my opinion. Oh, if a book were created to list all the different things that were smelled and tasted by Trenton it would not end. Smiles & Laughter, really the things that he comes up with are classic.
Based on these most recent videos on WT101, I would love to see you compare WT101 to Old Forester 100 or some similar "base level" bourbons. While I seldom sip WT101, I did use it as my go to bourbon for mixers. Thanks!
Which bottle’s result surprised you the most? 🥃 Should we take this experiment further and test more Wild Turkey bottles? Let us know in the comments below!
Suggestion: I love the picture of the bottles in the corner, but it would be great if you put A, B, C & D on the bottom of the screen in front of the bottles after the initial reveal.
can you please do a blind for old/new rare breed(thanks Trenton!). I feel like a lot of their core releases have gone downhill since the launch of more “premium” products. As always, love your videos, thanks!!
This idea is fun to me. I really want you to try like Weller 107...I swear it is not nearly was good as it was in 2019-2020 ! Same with "regualr" Blanton's. Even Evans Williams Sgl Brl was fantastic in 2019-2020, now it is a shadow of what I recall! Thanks guys!
$28 at Total Wine and $32 in many of the independent stores for a 750 ml. The prices have gone up and the quality has fallen. I'll buy the Russell's and the Kentucky Spirit and loved the 70th anniversary bottle. The regular Wild Turkey 101 just isn't worth it when I can get Evan Williams BIB for $22 for mixing and simple neat pours
Haha, I love how Trenton gets the heat for bringing up 101. I think the real question is how much variation is there amongst bourbon, because it seems that the odd "bad" bottle seems pretty common.
SLB Classics 0:02 Kurt might be worried for his love of WT101 AND black glens 1:20 Kurt might be losing his mind…. But we will see about his palette 2:36 Trenton doesn’t like WT, but he needs the freshest 3:00 Thanks Matt! 3:51 Trenton does get stuck with the “bad” bottles 4:44 distinctive hug? 4:49 …. We need the mind noodling! 6:10 gotta keep the price perspective 6:28 mom is always a strong keeper of secrets 6:45 keep the puns going 7:39 the boys are really at a loss for words 7:48 uh oh lesser? New whiskey is better? 8:23 only honesty here 8:35 some serious foreshadowing 9:21 Trenton’s eyebrows are activated 9:32 uh oh…. Blinds must be hard 10:21 here comes some truth 10:28 FINALLY a Trenton note OLD BASEMENT SOFA 10:41 Trenton is holding back the good ideas 11:18 Trenton has a limited vocabulary 11:27 Kurt is just rubbing in the fact that he finished school;) 12:00 well maybe Kurt is just bad at getting bottles 12:27 Trenton is a rough judge of the WT 12:42 no cuts and no deletes 13:05 Trenton’s crazy notes are always right 13:35 good thing they’re not pros. Forgot the water and forgot the furnace. Forgot the fridge too 14:24 mom is getting SWOL! 14:44 Trenton knows what he said 15:23 sometimes the boys like D but not this time 15:51 the boys don’t warm up for the videos 17:16 Trenton admits that he likes WT…. Sometimes 18:03 honesty is key 18:50 they boys still live on a budget, the budget bottles are good too 19:27 all about the ratio 20:29 drum roll starts 20:46 sometimes the order is made up but the place is correct 22:14 now the surprises are kicking in hard 22:52 send Trenton to the store for the budget bottles 24:22 I think it blows all our minds 25:30 going back on their word even before the video is over 25:53 let the conspiracies roll in 26:36 Kurt hates picking his favorite child 27:21 Kurt is taking the good whiskey while he can 28:23 an SLB interview? 10 bourbons in a flight getting spicier and spicier 29:32 much ramble. We are confused too 30:15 nice sign off and nod
I owned a wine/liquor store for 22 years and worked prior 10+ years of experience. Selected most products by hand selected and tasted everything. There is a variation with vintages of wine and understandable so with changes in the weather, but didn’t realize there is also change in all spirits which can be a challenge to recommend products when this happens.
Wild Turkey may have started to use some younger whiskey (or more whiskey from less desirable aging locations) in the 101 because of increased demand for the higher end products, like Rare Bird, Russell's Reserve, etc. It's also possible that they changed the barrels. This is the kind of thing that could be caused by the increased demand for bourbon during covid, and it could be that increased demand could have led Wild Turkey to use barrels that they would previously have sold to a non-distiller producer of lower-end whiskey.
Makers focuses very tightly on consistency of their core products and not on age statements or special releases. WT has tons of special releases so it makes sense their batches are going to end up more variable. There's only so much attention you can give to the barrels in a year.
While the results may be perplexing (look that word up Trent 😅 ) this was an excellent show that makes us think. There is magic in creating Bourbon and some distilleries spend more energy on a desired flavor profile and I’m sure another 100 reasons why. 🧐
I'd put a recent bottling of WT101 that I found for $31 a handle up against the new 101 8 year limited release, and it might even beat it. But most other recent itinerations of 101 I've had have fallen short of the mark. One thing is for sure, if you're looking for a bourbon that varies wildly in quality batch to batch, look no further than turkey 101.
I love all your videos but I really loved this. As a somewhat newbe this opened my mind even more. Not to assume a taste of something is the be all to end all! I am guessing if you do the same thing with Knob Creek, Makers, Russel, Elijah Craig etc the results maybe very similar.
Being new to bourbon, I have been trying to find 101 in my area (Columbus, Oh) for over a month now and can’t find it anywhere, but I can find other Wild Turkey products. Has it been pulled?
I’ve noticed a change in the flavor of the newer bottles of 101 and not for the better. I’m hoping it was just a bad batch. On the 101 rye is still a great bottle and I haven’t noticed any difference in flavor from past bottles. Time will tell hopefully it’s not going to stay that way.🥃🥃🥃
I tried WT101 for the first time several months back and i only got about half way through the bottle before i dumped it down the drain. The taste in the back of my throat was like wet cardboard. Pretty vile finish. Good to see it isn't just me. Looks like some of the newer batches are just bad.
With the confirmation of the batch of RR10 year being so drastically different with the LL/ME batch confirms that their batching can greatly vary in taste/quality for Wild Turkey. The LL/ME is worth the chase. Was that bottled in May?
I recently did a tour at Maker’s Mark and they claimed to actually rotate all of their barrels throughout the various floors of the Rickhouse in an attempt to get a consistent flavor profile throughout each barrel. This would probably explain the consistent flavor profile between Maker’s Marks batches. I would assume this batch of 101 is just heavier in barrels that are off profile to the typical 101 flavor profile.
I learned to drink with Austin Nichols 8-yr 101 Wild Turkey in the 1980's. I was pissed when they stopped selling in my area in the 2000's Was told that it was all going to Japan. The new label is ok. But most importantly, my wife now likes Wild Turkey. So far we have not picked a bad bottle like you tasted.
Seems like two things going on here. 1. WT batching isn't as consistent as we may have assumed likely compounded by the recent whiskey craze as they had to go to younger stocks to keep up. 2. Just like all of us your palates have evolved as you've greatly expanded your whiskey horizons over the last 5 years or so, tasting not only great hard to find whiskey but a huge variety of new and innovative distilleries and finishes. Meaning old faithful just isn't cutting it any longer.
Video idea: do a versus competition of who can make their own best blend. Have a budget cap like $50 each and do a bourbon and a rye blend each. Then blind each (maybe have a third person as a tie breaker) to see who's is best for each type
I didn’t notice a change in flavor immediately when the label changed, but a few months later it started going south. Makes sense as you wouldn’t wanna shock with new label and worse flavor at the same time lol
A couple questions. What were the laser codes on the bottles? Does the laser code on the bottle designate different batches? Is there even any way to differentiate different batches? (I would think there would have to be for quality control/safety) If so, you guys have opened up a whole new line of exploration/tastings. Which makes perfect sense. There is a human factor in the blending of whiskeys and the blenders, while having highly trained exceptional tasting senses are subject of human foibles. So, it is a given some batches will be "better" than others, or worse depending on your own preferences, but there will definitively be differences. So now you have to start not only comparing different brands/styles, tiers etc in tastings/recommendations, but batches There may have been a little hint of this in the whole Russel's 10 year "LLME" code thing. Perhaps you have created a whole new area of "FOMO" related to certain batches of the ostensibly "same" whiskey? Very interesting, well-done Kurt and Trent. SLB on the leading edge...
We probably won't have to worry too much about it in the next couple of years anyway, once the 101 Aged 8 Years becomes readily available. Still cool to see how different the juice is.
Yep I’d like to see a similar comparison of rare breed. FWIW I feel I’ve always had batch variation with WT 101, both pre label change and post. To me this seems to be there norm. Perhaps they need to work on their consistency at the WT distillery🤷♂️ I would love for you to have your WT aficionado buddy on to discuss or do a further blind on this. WT 101 is close to my heart also and I have had a love and like/dislike relationship with it over the years. Keep on it boys!!!!
Had a small bottle if 101 that a buddy had gave me that I forgot about, it was the old label not sure the age. I was excited to taste it but to me it tasted like leather and smoke it was genuinely one of the first one I absolutely didn't like.
I'm so curious as to what the bottled dates are on these, but I'm not sure I want to know. Was there just a bad batch and newer batches are better? I have to agree with Trenton when he said "there is a lot at stake here". I'd hate to openly admit that Jim Beam Black 7 year is my new cheap bourbon of choice.
rumor had it that as covid hit, there were a lot of older barrels sitting around. WT had a big sell through / spike in sales. So they grabbed a bunch of those older barrels and blended them into 101- not necessarily the best barrels which would have gone into single barrels or anything like that. But by adding more of the 8-12 year barrels, there were some really good tasting 101's floating around. And now they have not been able to keep that quality the same as those barrels are now being put into Russel's and other higher $ options.
I'm surprised the older WT's were that much behind the 'older' new label. This isn't the first place I've seen a remark that the most recent WT 101 just isn't as good. There have been a couple of Whisky YTr's that have commented on it. I don't think it's a coincidence that the 70th came out recently and the announcement of the 8 year being released that this conversation has started. Kind of like how Heaven Hill had the super cheap BiB for Kentucky only and a year after that left shelves they released the 7 year BiB.
I just bought a bottle I saw in a store that had the old label and was bottled in 2021. Having not purchased a 101 in many many years and used as a mixer back then anyway but this particular one I just got has a bit of a nutty taste
As a longtime and regular WT101, this doesn't surprise me much. I've been finding variances in these bottles for years. But since I typically drink 101 with a lot of ice, and some water, they don't bother me as much.
I definitely have had bottles of WT 101 that were excellent and some bottles that made me question the bottle. Some made me consider to never buy WT 101 again.
I wonder if the old label 101 would score better after a bit of time. I notice Turkey can be a bit punchy when first opened. I bought a 70th bottle and it reminded me of what 101 tasted like in an old label. Maybe batches have higher variation than I would have thought. I do notice Makers Cask Strength can have a bit of variation between batches - some better than OWA. I also notice an acetone taste in OF 1920 that was not there in previous batches.
The problem is the same as woodsford reserve. Sometimes you get a buttery one others you can a dry one depending on batch. Wild turkey needs to put batches on their bottles.
Not sure if a lot of people this, but ALL Eagle Rare 10yrs are single barrels. It's not stated on the bottle unless it's a singe barrel select. That's just how they are bottled. They don't blend/batch the barrels. They save a lot of time & money just bottling 1 barrel at a time. So, yes, some will be duds.
I've seen this with several big labels. I had a great bottle of OF 1920 that I loved. When I replaced it it was not nearly as good. I have a bottle of Rare Breed I hate and suspect it is due to poor consistency. I've never had this happen with Makers Mark as Trenton said.
There was a batch of 101 1.75 bottles that was really bad a few years ago. WT was giving a replacement bottle and a bottle of rare breed if you bought that bottle.
Do the wild turkey bottles have laser codes? Just wondering if you can tell between the three recent bottles if they're all from different batches, or if the two bad ones might be from the same batch?
I think you ought to do a Rare Breed, 70th Anniversary Edition, Current 101, and Russell's Reserve 10 blind. I also wonder if everything was proofed down to 80 or 90 how much difference there would be. I suspect the flavor profile might have changed due to the amount of water being added post aging because as someone else mentioned the barrel entry proof on WT101 has changed.
Had some at a friends house the other day and it definitely didn't taste like I remembered it. Had a weird cough syrupy flavor. Actually my latest Russell's Reserve 10 had a similar thing going on. Glad I'm not going crazy.
Here's a point that no one seems to address: why is young legacy distillery bourbon often bottom shelf, whereas craft whiskey young bourbon is often middle shelf? I have 2 year 15 gallon barrel bourbon that tastes better than current Wild Turkey 101 (Second Sight Spirits Oak Eye).
Got the 101 new label as my first Bourbon on Kurt's recommendation. I am little disappointed that I didn't get to taste the original 101. Hopefully 101 goes back to its glory days.
Several things to consider: 1 Did you rinse the glencairn with distilled water and then dry it prior to pouring? ( soap residue can affect flavor ) 2 You should never make full flavor judgements on the first sip/round. Your pallet needs to be acclimated. 3 Every pour will open up after 5-10 mins in the glass and change the aroma and flavor.
@@RealEyezRealizeRealLies don’t need to be a white night to know that these guys know what they’re doing insinuate stuff like you did makes you sound like the white night. Kurt is probably been drinking bourbon since you’ve been in diapers, my man.
@@RealEyezRealizeRealLies the bottom line is wild turkey 1 oh1 is mass production and I can pick it up for 1799 a bottle which means they’re not going to waste a lot of time on batched , consistency, and their lower price point products. Why would you?
I have a number of different bottles of WT offerings including 101. The bottle on the shelf at the moment has about 1/3 left in it, so it’s been hit more than once. It tastes okay to me, but that’s just me. 😕
I haven’t been into whiskey/bourbon that long only about 2ish years but I had a similar experience with not just the 101 but also Rare breed. I bought my first bottle of 101 right around the time I got into bourbon so maybe a year and a half ago and it was amazing. So I went out and bought a rare breed and same thing but even better. I loved both bottles and after I finished off both of them I went out and got replacements of both and the both the new bottles are just not good at all. Both have/had a strong rubbery or rubber band flavor that make them nearly undrinkable to me… the 101 both had the new label and the rare breed the first bottle was the old label and the newer one I have now is the new label. I’m with Kurt I was so disappointed in the newer ones…
I e noticed a change in the flavor of the newer bottles of 101 and not for the better. I’m hoping it was just a bad batch. On the 101 rye is still a great bottle and I haven’t noticed any difference in flavor from past bottles. Time will tell hopefully it’s not going to stay that way.🥃🥃🥃
Maker’s Mark rotates barrels, Wild Turkey does not. Also, Turkey has three maturation campuses - each has their own profile attributes. Wild Turkey 101 has always been “batchy.” Even the dusty stuff varies from year to year. It’s a $25 bottle. I wouldn’t sweat it too much. Cheers!
101 has long been a personal favorite of mine. I usually replace the bottle about every 5 to 6 weeks and agree that it can be "batchy" as Rare Bird puts it. The variances aren't wildly pronounced in general, for me personally, but some are definitely better than others. If something is different enough to catch my attention, it's usually something really, really good. Sometimes it can be lesser than as well.
However, I did have a bottle earlier this year that tasted like lemongrass herbal tea - like the rye content was far higher than it usually is and completely took over the bottle. I used that bottle for cocktails, took a few weeks off 101, and then went back to it. Happy to say my old stalwart returned to normal.
I would be interested to see if the guys could get someone in who also really likes 101 and have them taste these bottles. My guess is that RB is right, and that the current batch available in the area just ain't it for Kurt. But it would be interesting to see if these are actually bad bottles, or simply a profile variant issue that hopefully passes.
I agree. These guys are getting too into the weeds with a $25 bottle. Everyone's palate is different, but it's still a great pour at that price.
@ I appreciate the video and the comparison. It’s a good illustration of something we’re aware of but others may not be. But at the end of the day, $25.
Thank you sir!
I wonder if some batches are not the same this year because of the Wild Turkey 70th anniversary edition. WT may have pulled a lot of 8 year barrels out of the normal 101 to make the 70th anniversary bottle.
I had the same thought! They should blind the 70th with those bottles. Maybe even blend Kurt’s bad bottle with 70th and see what happens!
Considering the TTB just approved a new 8yr to be distributed in the US, it seems this may be the new norm for WT101.
I agree. They 70th is delicious, and much better than recent bottles of 101...
Seems like the 70th is the new 101.
@@tpop3723unfortunately at double the price
Everyone send Kurt your WT 101 bottles.. 50 way blind!
Gentlemen, hope you both are doing well. I am just starting out on my bourbon journey and came across your channel through the suggested section of a recent Brewzle video. And I've got to say, I love your channel. I think you both provide your own unique insights and opinions on the various whiskeys you discuss in your videos, and it's helping me to decide on what non-allocated bottles I need to try or look out for when I am hunting. It's also refreshing to see a father and son do something together that you clearly both enjoy and have clear passion. You've got a subscruber and viewer in me. Keep doing what you are doing and I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday (and allocated bourbon hunting) season!
11:58 "that back-end got a little bit rough..."
Trenton: *_convulses_*
Was a big 101 fan and noticed the change before watching both your videos. Something is definitely off and I don’t plan to buy again. Thanks for taking the time to dive in.
I would love to hear what replaced WT101 on your shelf. Cheers!
I actually can't tell the difference in the recent bottles I've purchased. Might be the batch you received. Still a great pour and my daily drinker!
Same here! I noticed a difference and not a ‘good’ difference with my last bottle. Thought it was just me.
I was just at Wild Turkey this past weekend and on the Tour they did mention that they changed the proof that they go into the barrels several years ago. I think right around 2018 they changed it to the current. It's something like 115p now. Prior they had it at 107p. They still take it down to 101 but that proof will definitely change the flavor in the batch while its aging.
Wild Turkey changed to 115 barrel entry proof in 2006. RareBird101 has some good articles.
Going into the barrel at higher proof saves them money. Once proofed down you get more product from each barrel.
More water, less bourbon
I think they are referring to recent 2024 bottles tasting different.
I know my palate has changed in the past 20 years. But no matter what, Wild Turkey 101 will forever hold a special place in my heart. WT101 was my grandfather's preferred bourbon and it was alway and I mean always in his liquor cabinet...which was always unlocked when I was a teen...if you are picking up what I am putting down.
This is a great example of how weather and other conditional variations affect distilleries. Changes in grains from year to year, the difference in growing conditions of the oak used in barrels... all variables. Then add the ultimate variable... the human factor. This is the reason to buy a case when you find the flavor profiles you really like. My opinion.
Blends should not vary..... these aren't small batches or single barrels.
"Due to wildly changing flavor profiles, we will be changing the name of Wild Turkey to 'Variable Turkey.'" 😎
Wild Card Turkey
✔️Austin Nichols 😍✔️
Volaturkety
Rebecca, I usually buy a bottle of WT101 about every six months. It’s my go to warm up pour. It is also what I serve people who are new to whiskey. I’ve never yet had an off profile bottle. I find it to be extremely consistent for me. I’ve purchased larger bottles as well as the standard 750ml. All have been spot on for me. I will say that the Jimmys 70th release this year was a touch better than the standard release.
Agreed - I don’t think this is a mystery. The old bottles of 101 have 6-8+ year barrels. The new ones don’t, they’ve culled everything that is 8+ for special releases including 70, single rickhouse, 13, 15, etc. Almost all of those barrels used to get blended into 101. Now they’re not.
I took the tour at Wild Turkey on Nov 20. Our guide said that they have received approval for a new 101 label for 2025. The new label will feature an 8 year age statement.
@@bobborgstede837 So was he saying the new standard 101 will be 8 years minimum or the 8 year is an additional release?
@@bobborgstede837 Wonder if price will be the same?
@@gregsmith5132if it’s age stated @8, that means it’s a minimum of 8 so to answer your question, yea.
How do you know the new ones don't? Did you hear this direct from Wild Turkey?
We need to look at WT101 laser codes now or what? 😂
That's what I'm thinking. Try a bottle every time a new batch comes out, and stock up when you find one you like. Use the rest for mixers.
I have a bottle of the Russel’s 10 LL/MF and compared it to a bottle I bought early in the year and found it completely disappointing. It was a heavy, bitter oak, and I couldn’t get past the taste could not find any other flavors in it and dumped what I had in my glass. I’ll try it again over Christmas and maybe a couple months after that, but if the profile doesn’t change I hate to say it, but it would be a drain pour for me. I don’t drink mixed drinks. The Russell 10 from earlier in the year was way better.
What are the laser codes on the newer bottles for the one you like vs the one that is Meh?
I really got upset when they went away from the iconic old label wtf are they thinking you have to have the bird on the label too iconic
I'm glad you guys did this - i come across bottles all the time that taste "off" - my palette is likely worse than you guys but i pick up grassy/grainy notes when a bad one hits. Crazy as it sounds 101, Weller Green and Weller Red have all done that to me. One great bottle and then one that you're left wondering what the heck happened?!?!
Purchased my first bottle of WT101 4 months ago, I was a long time Weller SR, and Beam white label guy. Always heard of WT101 being a lot of people's favorite so decided to try it. Initial reaction was that it tasted terrible, and how could people possibly like it. Let it open up for a month and it just never got better. Assuming I got one of the newer bottles as well, who knows. Since then I have tried Russell's 10 and rare breed and really enjoy those.
I ‘ve never enjoyed 101. All I ever get from it is oak and ethanol. No sweetness, no caramel, nothing pleasant. I never understood the love for it.
I just bought my annual bottles of holiday spirits. Thanks to your last WT 101 video, I passed on it for Buffalo Trace.
Yep gotta share the laser codes now 😂
I think you are on to something real. I’ve only been into bourbon a few years, but have noticed a change in some of my favorite bottles - and none for the better. Old Forester was an early favorite of mine and the last year of production or so, they have slipped - I get distinct acetone notes now. Early batches of the JEP Decnater were very good, but later batches not so much.
Are some distilleries cutting corners to meet demand? That’s my guess. Wish they’d get back to batch consistency - some have lost my business as it stands now…
I just finished my JEP decanter last night. It was batch 36. It was fine to me but I didn't get the hype.
@ - my batch 12 was great - others, not so much …
This is so informative, and in line with what one would expect. Your #1 bottle in the new label you bought a couple years ago right when the label changed, so it’s the same as the prior label batching, so the order makes sense. And the newest is last place. The only odd thing is the 8 year didn’t come in 1st, but it was close enough at 2nd place. So nothing weird to me.
Does 101 have a natural cork? I have been a professional bartender for years and one time, years ago, I did get a “corked” bottle of high west. As wine enthusiasts know, you get wet cardboard on the nose and it just tastes “off.” There are also varying levels of cork when it is turned. That is what this sounds like. A slightly corked bottle.
Love what you guys do. I enjoy the content a lot. Obviously, everyone's taste is different, but given that, what scares me or bothers me the most, is that you can't trust the label (batches) to be consistent enough to make you feel like you're not in a crap shoot and wasting your money.
I think the most likely situation is that the bottles are just inconsistent now due to the bourbon boom. They say it's aged 6 to 8 years. So I'd imagine to try and keep up with the spike in demand they got less picky with the barrels and are just taking what they have. You just can't adjust to that huge change in demand quickly because of how long it takes to age whiskey and because it's a cheap bottle, I'd say they weren't too worried about inconsistencies. Yeah taste can change over time but it shouldn't be that stark of a contrast that quickly.
I would like a blind were you both smell and taste with no comments to influence each other. Would be a very interesting challenge in my opinion. Oh, if a book were created to list all the different things that were smelled and tasted by Trenton it would not end. Smiles & Laughter, really the things that he comes up with are classic.
Kurt!!! Brilliant long con. Oh my they are all so different, we should do a full flight of Wild Turkey. Sneaky sneaky!
Based on these most recent videos on WT101, I would love to see you compare WT101 to Old Forester 100 or some similar "base level" bourbons. While I seldom sip WT101, I did use it as my go to bourbon for mixers. Thanks!
Which bottle’s result surprised you the most? 🥃 Should we take this experiment further and test more Wild Turkey bottles? Let us know in the comments below!
Should do a budget rye blind with blue note rye, WT 101 Rye, OGD 114 and something else of your guys choice!!
Yes! Do it. I'm an analytical chemist and love this!
Suggestion: I love the picture of the bottles in the corner, but it would be great if you put A, B, C & D on the bottom of the screen in front of the bottles after the initial reveal.
can you please do a blind for old/new rare breed(thanks Trenton!). I feel like a lot of their core releases have gone downhill since the launch of more “premium” products. As always, love your videos, thanks!!
I'm really enjoying the deep dive into the turkey. We need to get to the bottom of this.
This idea is fun to me. I really want you to try like Weller 107...I swear it is not nearly was good as it was in 2019-2020 ! Same with "regualr" Blanton's. Even Evans Williams Sgl Brl was fantastic in 2019-2020, now it is a shadow of what I recall! Thanks guys!
$28 at Total Wine and $32 in many of the independent stores for a 750 ml. The prices have gone up and the quality has fallen. I'll buy the Russell's and the Kentucky Spirit and loved the 70th anniversary bottle. The regular Wild Turkey 101 just isn't worth it when I can get Evan Williams BIB for $22 for mixing and simple neat pours
Haha, I love how Trenton gets the heat for bringing up 101.
I think the real question is how much variation is there amongst bourbon, because it seems that the odd "bad" bottle seems pretty common.
11:58 Trenton's face lol 😂
SLB Classics
0:02 Kurt might be worried for his love of WT101 AND black glens
1:20 Kurt might be losing his mind…. But we will see about his palette
2:36 Trenton doesn’t like WT, but he needs the freshest
3:00 Thanks Matt!
3:51 Trenton does get stuck with the “bad” bottles
4:44 distinctive hug?
4:49 …. We need the mind noodling!
6:10 gotta keep the price perspective
6:28 mom is always a strong keeper of secrets
6:45 keep the puns going
7:39 the boys are really at a loss for words
7:48 uh oh lesser? New whiskey is better?
8:23 only honesty here
8:35 some serious foreshadowing
9:21 Trenton’s eyebrows are activated
9:32 uh oh…. Blinds must be hard
10:21 here comes some truth
10:28 FINALLY a Trenton note OLD BASEMENT SOFA
10:41 Trenton is holding back the good ideas
11:18 Trenton has a limited vocabulary
11:27 Kurt is just rubbing in the fact that he finished school;)
12:00 well maybe Kurt is just bad at getting bottles
12:27 Trenton is a rough judge of the WT
12:42 no cuts and no deletes
13:05 Trenton’s crazy notes are always right
13:35 good thing they’re not pros. Forgot the water and forgot the furnace. Forgot the fridge too
14:24 mom is getting SWOL!
14:44 Trenton knows what he said
15:23 sometimes the boys like D but not this time
15:51 the boys don’t warm up for the videos
17:16 Trenton admits that he likes WT…. Sometimes
18:03 honesty is key
18:50 they boys still live on a budget, the budget bottles are good too
19:27 all about the ratio
20:29 drum roll starts
20:46 sometimes the order is made up but the place is correct
22:14 now the surprises are kicking in hard
22:52 send Trenton to the store for the budget bottles
24:22 I think it blows all our minds
25:30 going back on their word even before the video is over
25:53 let the conspiracies roll in
26:36 Kurt hates picking his favorite child
27:21 Kurt is taking the good whiskey while he can
28:23 an SLB interview? 10 bourbons in a flight getting spicier and spicier
29:32 much ramble. We are confused too
30:15 nice sign off and nod
I owned a wine/liquor store for 22 years and worked prior 10+ years of experience. Selected most products by hand selected and tasted everything. There is a variation with vintages of wine and understandable so with changes in the weather, but didn’t realize there is also change in all spirits which can be a challenge to recommend products when this happens.
Wild Turkey may have started to use some younger whiskey (or more whiskey from less desirable aging locations) in the 101 because of increased demand for the higher end products, like Rare Bird, Russell's Reserve, etc. It's also possible that they changed the barrels. This is the kind of thing that could be caused by the increased demand for bourbon during covid, and it could be that increased demand could have led Wild Turkey to use barrels that they would previously have sold to a non-distiller producer of lower-end whiskey.
Been waiting for this one. Huge WT fan and am afraid to buy a new bottle of the basic.
Starting video now.
Makers focuses very tightly on consistency of their core products and not on age statements or special releases. WT has tons of special releases so it makes sense their batches are going to end up more variable. There's only so much attention you can give to the barrels in a year.
I watch your videos in 2x and Trent’s eyebrow raises are crazy in 2x
While the results may be perplexing (look that word up Trent 😅 ) this was an excellent show that makes us think. There is magic in creating Bourbon and some distilleries spend more energy on a desired flavor profile and I’m sure another 100 reasons why. 🧐
I'd put a recent bottling of WT101 that I found for $31 a handle up against the new 101 8 year limited release, and it might even beat it. But most other recent itinerations of 101 I've had have fallen short of the mark. One thing is for sure, if you're looking for a bourbon that varies wildly in quality batch to batch, look no further than turkey 101.
I love all your videos but I really loved this. As a somewhat newbe this opened my mind even more. Not to assume a taste of something is the be all to end all! I am guessing if you do the same thing with Knob Creek, Makers, Russel, Elijah Craig etc the results maybe very similar.
Said this before, I thoroughly enjoy your videos. In fact, you got me into bourbons! I love how Trent thinks with his eyebrows!😂
Being new to bourbon, I have been trying to find 101 in my area (Columbus, Oh) for over a month now and can’t find it anywhere, but I can find other Wild Turkey products. Has it been pulled?
I agree with Trent. This really muddies the water and deepens the mystery, lol.
Agreed check those serial numbers maybe a off batch. Love the 101 rye and regular thanks for the research 🥃
I’ve noticed a change in the flavor of the newer bottles of 101 and not for the better. I’m hoping it was just a bad batch. On the 101 rye is still a great bottle and I haven’t noticed any difference in flavor from past bottles. Time will tell hopefully it’s not going to stay that way.🥃🥃🥃
Don’t worry about the furnace refrigerator etc. etc. we all have furnaces and refrigerators running where we are too.
I tried WT101 for the first time several months back and i only got about half way through the bottle before i dumped it down the drain. The taste in the back of my throat was like wet cardboard. Pretty vile finish.
Good to see it isn't just me. Looks like some of the newer batches are just bad.
With the confirmation of the batch of RR10 year being so drastically different with the LL/ME batch confirms that their batching can greatly vary in taste/quality for Wild Turkey. The LL/ME is worth the chase. Was that bottled in May?
I recently did a tour at Maker’s Mark and they claimed to actually rotate all of their barrels throughout the various floors of the Rickhouse in an attempt to get a consistent flavor profile throughout each barrel. This would probably explain the consistent flavor profile between Maker’s Marks batches. I would assume this batch of 101 is just heavier in barrels that are off profile to the typical 101 flavor profile.
I learned to drink with Austin Nichols 8-yr 101 Wild Turkey in the 1980's. I was pissed when they stopped selling in my area in the 2000's Was told that it was all going to Japan. The new label is ok. But most importantly, my wife now likes Wild Turkey. So far we have not picked a bad bottle like you tasted.
Seems like two things going on here. 1. WT batching isn't as consistent as we may have assumed likely compounded by the recent whiskey craze as they had to go to younger stocks to keep up. 2. Just like all of us your palates have evolved as you've greatly expanded your whiskey horizons over the last 5 years or so, tasting not only great hard to find whiskey but a huge variety of new and innovative distilleries and finishes. Meaning old faithful just isn't cutting it any longer.
Video idea: do a versus competition of who can make their own best blend. Have a budget cap like $50 each and do a bourbon and a rye blend each. Then blind each (maybe have a third person as a tie breaker) to see who's is best for each type
I didn’t notice a change in flavor immediately when the label changed, but a few months later it started going south. Makes sense as you wouldn’t wanna shock with new label and worse flavor at the same time lol
A couple questions. What were the laser codes on the bottles? Does the laser code on the bottle designate different batches? Is there even any way to differentiate different batches? (I would think there would have to be for quality control/safety) If so, you guys have opened up a whole new line of exploration/tastings. Which makes perfect sense. There is a human factor in the blending of whiskeys and the blenders, while having highly trained exceptional tasting senses are subject of human foibles. So, it is a given some batches will be "better" than others, or worse depending on your own preferences, but there will definitively be differences.
So now you have to start not only comparing different brands/styles, tiers etc in tastings/recommendations, but batches There may have been a little hint of this in the whole Russel's 10 year "LLME" code thing. Perhaps you have created a whole new area of "FOMO" related to certain batches of the ostensibly "same" whiskey?
Very interesting, well-done Kurt and Trent. SLB on the leading edge...
I will say, great recommendation on the Cedar Ridge! Picked up a CR rye this weekend for like $37 and its wonderful!
The saga continues, A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and now you need Return of the Jedi!! 😹😹😹
We probably won't have to worry too much about it in the next couple of years anyway, once the 101 Aged 8 Years becomes readily available.
Still cool to see how different the juice is.
Yep I’d like to see a similar comparison of rare breed. FWIW I feel I’ve always had batch variation with WT 101, both pre label change and post. To me this seems to be there norm. Perhaps they need to work on their consistency at the WT distillery🤷♂️
I would love for you to have your WT aficionado buddy on to discuss or do a further blind on this. WT 101 is close to my heart also and I have had a love and like/dislike relationship with it over the years.
Keep on it boys!!!!
Had a small bottle if 101 that a buddy had gave me that I forgot about, it was the old label not sure the age. I was excited to taste it but to me it tasted like leather and smoke it was genuinely one of the first one I absolutely didn't like.
I'm so curious as to what the bottled dates are on these, but I'm not sure I want to know. Was there just a bad batch and newer batches are better? I have to agree with Trenton when he said "there is a lot at stake here". I'd hate to openly admit that Jim Beam Black 7 year is my new cheap bourbon of choice.
Love your videos. Just a heads up the volume level on this episode was probably 25% lower than usual.
Can’t hear the furnace. You guys are doing a great job.
right off the bat! if you can tell the difference between ANY of them, something is very wrong!!
rumor had it that as covid hit, there were a lot of older barrels sitting around. WT had a big sell through / spike in sales. So they grabbed a bunch of those older barrels and blended them into 101- not necessarily the best barrels which would have gone into single barrels or anything like that. But by adding more of the 8-12 year barrels, there were some really good tasting 101's floating around. And now they have not been able to keep that quality the same as those barrels are now being put into Russel's and other higher $ options.
I absolutely agree with you. I don't know what they've changed, but it tastes like it has less age.
I'm surprised the older WT's were that much behind the 'older' new label. This isn't the first place I've seen a remark that the most recent WT 101 just isn't as good. There have been a couple of Whisky YTr's that have commented on it. I don't think it's a coincidence that the 70th came out recently and the announcement of the 8 year being released that this conversation has started. Kind of like how Heaven Hill had the super cheap BiB for Kentucky only and a year after that left shelves they released the 7 year BiB.
I just bought a bottle I saw in a store that had the old label and was bottled in 2021. Having not purchased a 101 in many many years and used as a mixer back then anyway but this particular one I just got has a bit of a nutty taste
Love WT101. This should be a fun watch! Cheers from Winnipeg!! 🥃🥃🥃🥃
As a longtime and regular WT101, this doesn't surprise me much. I've been finding variances in these bottles for years. But since I typically drink 101 with a lot of ice, and some water, they don't bother me as much.
I definitely have had bottles of WT 101 that were excellent and some bottles that made me question the bottle. Some made me consider to never buy WT 101 again.
I haven't been a WT 101 fan neat, only a mixer. My budget palette profile is Heaven Hill and Brown-Forman.
1st makers mark 46 I bought was amazing. Bought a second bottle and it was night and day worse, had a moldy crawlspace taste. I was shocked
Never had a bad bottle of makers mark period , from standard to 101 to 46 and 46 cask strength
I wonder if the old label 101 would score better after a bit of time. I notice Turkey can be a bit punchy when first opened. I bought a 70th bottle and it reminded me of what 101 tasted like in an old label. Maybe batches have higher variation than I would have thought. I do notice Makers Cask Strength can have a bit of variation between batches - some better than OWA. I also notice an acetone taste in OF 1920 that was not there in previous batches.
Interesting video. RareBird’s comments below makes sense too…
The problem is the same as woodsford reserve. Sometimes you get a buttery one others you can a dry one depending on batch. Wild turkey needs to put batches on their bottles.
The do. The date code
Keep it rolling!
I'm the same with Eagle Rare. Had two bottles that drank like $14, one like $30 and a stunner that drank like $60.
I agree, I have a recent Eagle Rare that just is disappointing
Not sure if a lot of people this, but ALL Eagle Rare 10yrs are single barrels. It's not stated on the bottle unless it's a singe barrel select.
That's just how they are bottled. They don't blend/batch the barrels. They save a lot of time & money just bottling 1 barrel at a time.
So, yes, some will be duds.
I love you guys but please put a sticker on the bar that says which direction to put the bottles at the end! 😂
I've seen this with several big labels. I had a great bottle of OF 1920 that I loved. When I replaced it it was not nearly as good. I have a bottle of Rare Breed I hate and suspect it is due to poor consistency. I've never had this happen with Makers Mark as Trenton said.
There was a batch of 101 1.75 bottles that was really bad a few years ago. WT was giving a replacement bottle and a bottle of rare breed if you bought that bottle.
Can't you guys try (if you have it)
Bells Scotch
White Horse
J&B
They are budget whiskeys in South Africa
I am wondering if the letters in laser etching on the latest two bottles are the same.
This ain't over. I've got an old label of 101. Hit me up. We go again!
yall need to do a video with a discussion about this with Rarebird please!! would also love to see a blind with different rarebreed bacthes!!
Do the wild turkey bottles have laser codes? Just wondering if you can tell between the three recent bottles if they're all from different batches, or if the two bad ones might be from the same batch?
I think you ought to do a Rare Breed, 70th Anniversary Edition, Current 101, and Russell's Reserve 10 blind. I also wonder if everything was proofed down to 80 or 90 how much difference there would be. I suspect the flavor profile might have changed due to the amount of water being added post aging because as someone else mentioned the barrel entry proof on WT101 has changed.
Idea being some of these products are likely produced from off profile barrels of higher priced products with some blending.
Had some at a friends house the other day and it definitely didn't taste like I remembered it. Had a weird cough syrupy flavor. Actually my latest Russell's Reserve 10 had a similar thing going on. Glad I'm not going crazy.
I've had a dud bottle of 101 not long ago. Last 2 seemed better but not as good as I remember older ones being.
Here's a point that no one seems to address: why is young legacy distillery bourbon often bottom shelf, whereas craft whiskey young bourbon is often middle shelf? I have 2 year 15 gallon barrel bourbon that tastes better than current Wild Turkey 101 (Second Sight Spirits Oak Eye).
Got the 101 new label as my first Bourbon on Kurt's recommendation. I am little disappointed that I didn't get to taste the original 101. Hopefully 101 goes back to its glory days.
I would have be interested in seeing the newest bottle thrown into the blind as well.
Several things to consider:
1 Did you rinse the glencairn with distilled water and then dry it prior to pouring? ( soap residue can affect flavor )
2 You should never make full flavor judgements on the first sip/round. Your pallet needs to be acclimated.
3 Every pour will open up after 5-10 mins in the glass and change the aroma and flavor.
Kurt is no amature please 🤦♂️🙄
@Bourbonandbrews OK white knight
@@RealEyezRealizeRealLies don’t need to be a white night to know that these guys know what they’re doing insinuate stuff like you did makes you sound like the white night. Kurt is probably been drinking bourbon since you’ve been in diapers, my man.
@@RealEyezRealizeRealLies the bottom line is wild turkey 1 oh1 is mass production and I can pick it up for 1799 a bottle which means they’re not going to waste a lot of time on batched , consistency, and their lower price point products. Why would you?
@Bourbonandbrews Because some still care about quality and of all brands WT has been known to be quite consistent
I used to recommend WT101 as a daily, but not anymore. 😢 Much like the old Early Times BiB, they just aren't as good as they were a few years ago.
I have a number of different bottles of WT offerings including 101. The bottle on the shelf at the moment has about 1/3 left in it, so it’s been hit more than once. It tastes okay to me, but that’s just me. 😕
I haven’t been into whiskey/bourbon that long only about 2ish years but I had a similar experience with not just the 101 but also Rare breed. I bought my first bottle of 101 right around the time I got into bourbon so maybe a year and a half ago and it was amazing. So I went out and bought a rare breed and same thing but even better. I loved both bottles and after I finished off both of them I went out and got replacements of both and the both the new bottles are just not good at all. Both have/had a strong rubbery or rubber band flavor that make them nearly undrinkable to me… the 101 both had the new label and the rare breed the first bottle was the old label and the newer one I have now is the new label. I’m with Kurt I was so disappointed in the newer ones…
All you need in life is Russel's 10 year, 1792 Bottled in Bond and small batch, and a good Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Single Barrel
This particular tasting was… wild. 😎 🤦♂️ 😆
I e noticed a change in the flavor of the newer bottles of 101 and not for the better. I’m hoping it was just a bad batch. On the 101 rye is still a great bottle and I haven’t noticed any difference in flavor from past bottles. Time will tell hopefully it’s not going to stay that way.🥃🥃🥃
Love the 101, have both rare breeds (chill and non chill filtered) and I‘m waiting for the 8 and 12 year old that I ordered last week.
A pre show checklist is an excellent idea