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Rare Breed Rye: barrel proof rye whiskey | Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye: barrel proof rye whiskey | Wild Turkey

I was prepared to write off Wild Turkey rye entirely until the Rare Breed. While it’s not my favorite rye by a long shot, it at least convincingly justifies the consideration of this grain as more than a component of the Wild Turkey bourbon mash bill. Given the preponderance of evidence, I’m not sure I’ll be buying another Wild Turkey rye for a while… but if I do, it will definitely be Rare Breed Rye. On the nose: More classically rye-like than any of its predecessors, but also more exuberant. There are some buttery, corny scents, but better balanced against some offsetting aromas of aloe vera, eucalyptus, and menthol. This has the spicy citrus note of pink grapefruit, which is a highlight for me. The comparatively high strength is noticeable in the form of a slight burn inside the nostrils. On the nose: This smells like a very mature grain whisky, with an overall sweet and buttery aroma. There’s a sugary and spicy scent of apple cider, as well as the hallmark rye whiskey note of freshly cut aloe vera leaves. There’s a hint of milk chocolate, some crushed spearmint leaves, and a wisp of dried firewood swirling around the periphery. Leaving this bottle open for a while results in a more Christmas-y nose, with a coniferous perfume.

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye – Review

Today, Rare Breed is in contention for most affordable barrel proof bourbon on the shelf. After many years of waiting, Wild Turkey rye fans' prayers were answers, as the company introduced Rare Breed Rye in summer of 2020. Truth be told I feel a bit bad for the 81 because it’s bigger and, as already stated, more delicious brother the Rye 101 stole the scene before 81 really truly arrived. Then, soon after the 101 left the scene the Russell’s Reserve rye showed up in a big way and once again stole the show. These amazing products are unfortunately what this poor guy is always going to be measured against and while it might seem a bit unfair, that’s just the way the barrel tumbles. It is the oldest and lowest proof bottle in Wild Turkey's main collection of bourbon, features that paint it as an ideal value sipper, especially for those who aren't attracted to Wild Turkey's 100-plus proof products. A medium finish of rye spice, dark fruit, raw grain and a mild astringency that perks up towards the end.

Wild Turkey Straight Rye (40.5%) Whiskey | Master of Malt

Continuing our Wild Turkey coverage, today we’ll be considering the distillery’s range of rye whiskeys.

This is a slight improvement over the 101, in the sense that there are no off aromas or flavors. The nose held promise, but they palate again underwhelmed. This combination of rye and corn doesn’t seem to be working for me, as I’m not getting any of the notes that I love from Wild Turkey bourbon, and yet the rye is not allowed to stand on its own. Score 4/10