Don’t tell my wife this, but I can be quite absent-minded. Even when I was young, I’d wander into a room and have absolutely no idea why I was there. I once found a tv remote in the refrigerator. I even once forgot my Aunt’s name.
I wasn’t proud of that last one. She’d been in the family since before I was born. I’ve made sure to use her name repeatedly every time I’ve talked to her since. I really want to make sure that she knows I remember.
Another recent example is tonight’s whiskey. Last month I did a rundown of all the Wild Turkey Rye whiskeys in comparison to their most recent rye release, Rare Breed Rye. But, do you know what I didn’t do? Look to see if I had ever reviewed any of them prior to that.
Luckily for me, I’d done the 101 Rye multiple times, both before and after its hiatus a few years back. I’d also reviewed Russell’s Reserve Rye. But…yeah. Never did the standard 81 proof version. I’m thinking that it is about time to remedy that. Especially since my bottle is getting a bit low.
Wild Turkey Rye (81 proof)
Purchase Info: $22.99 for a 750 mL bottle, Total Wine, Burnsville, MN
Price per Drink (50 mL): $1.53
Details: 40.5% ABV
Nose: Mint, dried grass, clove, cinnamon, and a candy sweetness.
Mouth: Mint, cinnamon, cedar, and a light sweetness.
Finish: Short and pretty gentle. Lingering notes of mint and cinnamon candies.
Thoughts: I think of this one primarily as a cocktail ingredient. The flavors stand up well to other ingredients in rye-based cocktails. It's ok neat, but nothing to write home about. I'd much prefer a pour of 101 Rye if I was going to sip neat. For a cocktail though, I think I prefer the 81. It tastes just as good in spirit-forward cocktails, but is less expensive and allows you to consume slightly less alcohol.
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