A classic and much-loved choice for Bourbon fans, Jim Beam offers the best option for those who want the best of both: whiskey and beer. This bourbon works as well in a cocktail as it does sipped in a glass neat. It isn't sweet, but rather is more cherry essence instead. Whiskey is a spirit distilled from fermented grain mash (wheat, rye, barley, and corn) and then aged in wooden barrels. For those starting out or those well versed, this is an interesting, rich and layered whiskey for everyone., Region: Kentucky | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Anise, Vanilla, Orange, The best bourbon for beginners is Buffalo Trace, says Shannon Tebay, head bartender at the American Bar at The Savoy in London. The standard barrel size is 263 liters and weighs 225 kilos when full. Proof: Another term for measuring the alcoholic content of a beverage. Wild Turkey 101 Every now and again, on https://www.hotukdeals.com people moan when the 81 comes up as being on special offer, but how the 101 isn't, so when the 101 was available for 25 I. Four Roses has been around since 1888, making it through the prohibition period before disappearing from shelves for 40 years. Of all those it shares a place within the pantheon of legendary whiskey labels, Wild Turkey is probably the most unassuming. Period. Unlike other spirits, a company cant just call their liquor Bourbon unless it fulfills every one of the requirements. Russell also noted the brand doesn't rotate barrels anymore the practice of moving an aging barrel to different parts of a warehouse because they have many expressions. The Hands-Down Best Bourbon Brands in 2023, The Hands-Down Best American Single Malt Whiskey, We spend exorbitant amounts on rare releases, Matthew McConaughey was named creative director, Whiskey 101: From the Bottle to the Glass, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Distilled, not diluted. We spend exorbitant amounts on rare releases, then make fun of people for doing the very same. But while this small-batch Bourbon has changed a few things over time, its kept its super premium holding and taste. But it can be difficult to know which brand and bottle are for you. Evan Williams is a great cheap cocktail bourbon, and you can certainly sip it on its own. Dont be put off by the ABV, because this whiskey backs up its heat with a complex palate and smooth finish. The proof is double the alcohol by volume (ABV) measurement. Menu at McCormack's Big Whisky Grill pub & bar, Tuckahoe, N Parham Rd Spicy and sweet and perfectly balanced, Knob Creek 9-Year-Old packs a solid punch in a single sip. Looking for a flavorful high-proof bourbon that wont break the bank? Ranking The Big Bourbon Brands, From Worst To Best - TheList.com The higher amount of rye in the mash bill gives this bourbon a spicy kick that goes well with its sweet character. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Spice, Cherry, Chocolate. Wild Turkey 101 2021, 2010 and 1984 Ceramic Decanter (8 Year) Review. Wild Turkey 101 is much smoother and silkier than the Wild Turkey 81. Itmakes a great sipper due to its smoothnessand is yet spicy due to rich cinnamon notes. Wild Turkey barrels its whiskey at a lower entry-proof, meaning the spirit is a lower . But Blantons higher-rye mash bill proved a success and the brand has risen from strength to strength over the years. This bourbon, made by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, is aged for at least 10 years. the One Good Bottle you've been enjoying for a chance to get featured in our next email by reaching out to wprice@gearpatrol.com with the subject line "Chasing Whiskey. The difference between Baccarat and the brands other offerings comes from a few final touches: an extra period aging in XO Cognac barrels, the handmade crystal decanters its served in, and its insanely velvety, fruity, sweet, citrus-tinged taste. Wild Turkey is a classic for a reason, and while the brand has many other expressions to try, we recommend starting with the 101. Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee released Blantons Single Barrel Bourbon in 1984, at a time when the Bourbon industry appeared to be on a downward slope. Disappointing compared to Maker's Mark and Woodford Reserve You havent fully explored the bourbon category until youve tried wheated whiskeyor in the case of Makers Mark, whisky (they spell it like the Scots). There are several single barrel releases to choose from, if you want something closer to Bookers with a higher ABV. Recently, the distillery has been innovating with the Wood Finishing Series, sort of a different take on Makers 46 which uses different proprietary wood staves to develop unique flavors. You can find Wild Turkey Bourbon for about $22 for a 750mL bottle at 81-proof, or 40.5 percent ABV. I haven't found a match for that since, and any 100% malted rye out there is pricey and hard to obtain (here in New Hampshire anyway). Kaitlin Mahar is a California-based freelance writer covering the shopping and lifestyle beats. The perfection option? We consulted cocktail experts (as well as a few whiskey lovers on the Delish team) to learn about their favorite whiskey brands and what can take a bottle from just okay to rich and robust. This is good tasty bourbon thatgives a moderateyet pleasing burn; add a large ice ball if you want it go down easy. With notes of caramel, vanilla, raisins, and a hint of charred oak, youll want to savor the taste of this premium Single Barrel again and again. With a slightly earthy taste thats perfect for traditional cocktails like a classic Manhattan, Wild Turkey 101 Rye's intricate, multifaceted flavor makes it a bar cart staple (though you might want to stock up, because it can be tricky to find at times). Wolves Whiskey (Spring Run): An expensive, highly giftable, very odd whiskey. So we turn instead to Woodford Reserves Baccarat bottle as the most expensive bourbon you can actually find and purchase if you want the best top-shelf bourbon available. Turkey Trio! Jim Beam was awarded the International Wine & Spirits Competitions Bourbon Trophy back in 2016 and little has changed since. Its strict production process ensures a smooth and successful drink. But first, some need-to-know info about this essential liquor: Let's settle this age-old debate: whiskey vs. whisky. productslearn more about Earned gold and double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Bourbon is specifically defined by law in the US. Jonah Flicker is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn whose work focuses on spirits, food and travel. "I prefer the rack warehouses for us. The liquid needs to be distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into the barrel at 125 proof. . But be sure to keep an eye out and grab a bottle of this single-malt Scotch if you see it, because its availability is hit-or-miss. From 101 to its high-end Master's Keep releases, all Wild Turkey bourbon is made with the same mash (unconfirmed, but most believe it's 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley). If you want to find something flavorful for a better price and also be able to find [it] on the shelves, Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey is hands down my go-to," he said. 4 alligator charred barrels. Black pepper and summer fruit are up front, with notes of caramel and warming spices in the middle, and vanilla and butterscotch on the back end. But its not just fruity flavors thatll come through: alongside its sea air saltiness comes milky coffee, strong dark chocolate, and a hint of bitterness. Bourbon: The Main Differences, These Peaty Scotches Taste Like Campfire in a Glass, The Best Cheap Alcohol of 2023, According to Bartenders, The 13 Best Canadian Whiskies to Drink in 2023, The 10 Best American Whiskeys Under $50 to Drink in 2023, Which Tennessee Whiskeys Are the Best? Its full-flavored and one-of-a-kind, with a reliable, easy-to-drink taste and a smooth and satisfying finish. Dont get me wrong, there are some very good craft whiskeys out there, but there are also a lot that just have a slightly immature palate, which could stand a few more years inside a barrel. The Single Barrel is an excellent whiskey too, but for something tasty and more moderately priced check out Four Roses Small Batch. WOODFORD RESERVE Kentucky Straight Bourbon 14 . The brand doesnt just do bourbon, however. But the challenge of sourcing a bottle or paying around $100 for a pour in a bar is worth the hype. Knob Creek (view at Drizly) is the best bourbon for beginners to try. Some really good bourbons are Four Roses Single Barrel, Pappy Van Winkles 23 Year Family Reserve, Elijah Craig Small Batch, and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Take a sip, then add an ice cube to feel the flavor develop. There are a variety of expressions with different ABVs, but the 100 proof version is one of the best. . All unaged Turkey hooch enters the barrel at the same 115 proof point. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Cherry, Vanilla, Caramel, Maker's 46 is a great entry-level bourbon, says Brendan Bartley, head bartender at Bathtub Gin Speakeasy Bar. Undoubtedly one of the smoothest bourbon brands on the market, this award-winning bottle is layered and soft, offering a fruity, subtle smokiness with just a hint of spice to round it off. Kentucky, the birthplace of Bourbon, produces 95 percent of the worlds Bourbon supply. PDF LE BAR - sanssouci-wien.com Frey Ranch is a newer craft distillery located in Nevada, making grain-to-bottle whiskey on a family farm. How do you decide between the most popular Bourbons or, ultimately, find the best Bourbon of the year? The result is a deep color and spicy flavor profile to the bourbon. Best Kentucky Straight Bourbon for Cocktails, The 20 Best Smokey And Smooth Whiskey Brands, Kings County Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey, The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Julia Smith, Director of Video here at Delish, U.S. Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits regulations, scene in which his character visits the Lagavulin distillery, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Youre sure to savor the smooth taste of The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which is another top pick for Battles. In America, there are three kinds of whiskey. On the palate it is buttery smooth, with a hint of sweetness and a brilliant bold body. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. Whiskey Reviews By Name | The Whiskey Shelf This may be underwhelming for some, but for the average bourbon drinker, the nuanced taste of Pinhooks Flagship Bourbon is sure to be a hit. The Johnnie Walker portfolio offers a wide range of whiskey options, each with its own color that indicates the whiskey's price and age. Wild Turkey barrels its whiskey at a lower entry-proof, meaning the spirit is a lower proof as it comes off the still prior to maturing;that lower entry proof allows to more flavor from the grains. This week brings a trio of half-size bottles of straight Kentucky bourbon from the Wild Turkey distillery and Woodford Reserve. This comes at no extra cost for you and supports our team to create more content. This whiskey covers a lot of ground with a floral, spicy, woody, and fruity aroma, a medium color, and a lingering finish. I also do enjoy Dickel 8yr Bourbon and KC 9yr. There are some brands that anyone who wants to call themselves a bourbon drinker simply must try. Copyright 2023 Whisky, Whiskey & Bourbon | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Wild Turkey vs Woodford Reserve: Price comparison. Bottled-In-Bond: The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 identifies one class of spirits based upon a specific set of requirements. Id rather use the Woodford Rye that has many tasting notes in common but with additional rye in the mash making it more spicy and punchy. It's thick, spicy, chocolatey and a bit oaky. With an average price of around $2,500 a bottle, its certainly not cheap, but the range of (mostly dark) flavors and aromas means youll want to savor its uniqueness. Beginners to the bourbon category should look at the price, proof, and mash bill. sugar, two dashes of Angostura bitters and garnish with a lemon or orange twist in a sturdy Old Fashioned glass to complete. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Apple, Spice, Oak. Adam Fitzgerald, Editor-in-Chief, Iron & Air, Tell us about (in two to four sentences, please!) This iconic bourbon is perfectly aged a minimum of ve years in American White Oak barrels with a level 4 char. Faint cherry notes play across the nose. All that being said, you really cant do much better than a humble bottle of 101 (dont waste your time with the 81-proof version). But Pappy Van Winkles bourbon is pretty much sold out and impossible to find anywhere. Woodford Reserve for sipping, 101 for mixing Woodford Reserve is a smoother and easier drinker than the Wild Turkey. Furthermore, if an age statement is important to you, its good to note that you wont find one on this bottle. This is higher proof than their standard entry-level bottling (WT 81). The French oak gives the whiskey some more interesting notes, like baking spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon, with the addition of soft fruits like apple and pear, says Bartley. You will get a bit of oak on the palate here, but nothing that overpowers the classic flavors of vanilla, caramel and dried fruit. Reply. In fact, SAOS barrel picks have been among the best bourbons we have tried in the last few years. On the nose the Wild Turkey 101 is sweet, with hints of honey, caramel and vanilla along a charred oak note. These barrels are charred on the inside for maximum flavor and smokey notes. Makers Mark isnt as spicy as rye-influenced whiskeys, making it a great Bourbon for a pairing. In New York City, Manhatta's head bartender Cameron Winkelman says Wild Turkey 101 Rye is his go-to.Being 101 proof and a Kentucky style of rye, the flavors of pepper and spice add the perfect balance and strong back bone to any cocktail," he said. A cult Bourbon, Old Grand Dad is not for the faint-hearted. Wild Turkey 81 vs 101 - Gentlemen Ranters Theres also the annual Birthday Bourbon, one of those coveted unicorn bottles that people line up outside of liquor stores for the night before it hits shelves. You may even already be familiar with our top choice Knob Creek. Old Forester 100 Proof Signature Bourbon delivers richness and good flavor (though you may find theres a slightly bitter aftertaste). "With a high mash bill, this is one of the more approachable ryes available, and one I use often at The Bar. But really the 95 proof core bourbon is a lesser known bottle that you should get more familiar with. This experiment resulted in a thick, dark Bourbon with complex flavors. Each voyage of Jeffersons Ocean typically crosses the equator four times. A wheated Bourbon combined with a large dash of bitters will result in a well-rounded, spice-heavy Old Fashioned. Wild Turkey uses non-GMOs to make whiskey. Written by David Jennings, American Spirit provides lush detail on the brand's history, and put me on to this idea (perhaps inadvertently). This whiskey ages for no less than 5 years in heavily charred casks. "It's amazing what diverse profiles a single bourbon and rye whiskey recipe can produce in the hands of true masters. I found my vice. Though a whole $9 more expensive than the first drop a few years back, you'd still be hard-pressed to find 13-year-old whiskey at this price. Drink on the porch over ice. If youd prefer something a little lighter on your wallet, Johnnie Walker Black Label is also a favorite of our Director of Motion Graphics, Vineet Sawant. Go ahead and pick up a bottle of the 10- or 25-year-old bourbon if you can find it (sorry, you probably cant), or the bold Barrel Strength Rye, but Michters US1 is what you should turn to for everyday drinking. All of These Bourbons Are Better Than Pappy Van Winkle Woodinville Straight Bourbon, however, tastes fully developed and mature. We may earn commission from the links on this page. With a 101 proof, it finishes nicely with a subtle aftertaste of spice. The finish is medium to long,pleasantly warm, high in charred oak which is a common feature in every Wild Turkey Bourbon. This uncommon approach is what Battles loves about Pinhook and its bourbon, and we think you will, too! Wild Turkey 101 vs Wild Turkey Rare Breed: Head to Head! - Whisky & Whiskey This is the OG of the collection, created by legendary master distiller Booker Noe at a time when such high proof bourbon wasnt really what anyone was looking for. I prefer it served on the rocks with an orange slice., Region: Kentucky | ABV: 46.85% | Tasting Notes: Caramel, Oak, Ripe Fig. The style of the Gold Label is called single pot, meaning it's a mixed mash of malted and unmalted barley distilled in a pot still. Although Woodford Reserve operates on a site where bourbon has been made since the 1800s, the brand was first introduced in 1996 by parent company Brown-Forman (which also owns Jack Daniels and Old Forester). Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. The distillerys affordable flagship expression is bottled at 101 proof (and has a new bottle design), giving this inexpensive, but always dependable bourbon a slightly hotter, spicier edge than other comparable whiskeys. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Its easy to get lost down the rabbit hole of Bourbon technicalities and terminologies. All products featured in this article are independently selected by our editors. Woodford Reserve may be better known for their bourbon, but their rye is equally deserving of attention. Small-Batch: There are no legally-defined parameters as to what small-batch actually means. This high rye bourbon smells like a mix of corn and vanilla, with much old leather and oak, and hints of berry fruit notes and baking spices. The next step differentiates Bourbon from whiskey. Learn more about the terms and distillery processes to understand what goes into making a delicious bottle. our process. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 50.5% | Tasting Notes: Oak, Spice, Vanilla. We spoke to some bar industry experts to find out what the best bottles for beginners are, and what makes them stand out. If you prefer to read about Bourbon before opening the bottle, jump to our sections below to learn more about Bourbon. Its a smooth and subtle whiskey with fruity essence throughout. ", Have Apple's AirPods Max? The barrel begins to crack and peel in a rough, shiny pattern that looks like alligator skin. With a relatively low . After that, they must age for four years in a state-owned warehouse and be bottled at 100% proof/50 ABV. According to Battles, the intention behind Pinhook Flagship releasing new vintage bourbons each year is to highlight the best of their barrels at that time.. .css-gk9meg{display:block;font-family:Lausanne,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;padding-top:0.25rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-gk9meg:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.15;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}The Manhattan Is a Cocktail You Earn, 13 Riffs on Classic Cocktails to Drink This Winter, Nothing Tastes Better Than Irish Whiskey in Coffee, The Rob Roy Is a Cocktail for Scotch Drinkers, How to Make a Whiskey Sour Without Sour Mix, Nothing Soothes the Soul Quite Like a Hot Toddy, You'll Be Drinking Maple Syrup Cocktails This Fall, How to Make a Cobbler-Style Rye Whiskey Cocktail, Jim Beam's Newest Release Won't Be a Bourbon, Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey. There is much more cherry carryover in this one as well. The whiskey has become a bar staple over the past 25 years, and the flagship bourbon is the main reason why. The mashbill (which is the recipe of grains used to produce a whiskey) of this bourbon is unusually low in corn at 51 percent. The proof: While the general consensus is that a higher proof (or ABV) number results in a better whiskey, this isnt always the case. Ok, this is not technically the most expensive bourbon on the market. made. Wild Turkey 101 & Russell's Reserve 10-Year Comparison (2016) A winner of many international awards, it features rich butterscotch and caramel flavors with hints of fruit and toffee. [] Related article: Wild Turkey 101 vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon: Which Whiskey is Better? Woodford Reserves large bourbon collection can be bought at various price points but its worth paying the extra dollars for an unrivaled taste. The result is a somewhat sweeter bourbon, with notes of honeyed papaya and peppered apricot. Nicely balancing sweet and spicy notes along oak and pleasing warmth. There is no real meaning behind the term small batch, so for many brands it simply means smaller volume than other whiskies they produce. . Welcome to the Wild Turkey Masterclass. Wild Turkey 101 vs Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve - YouTube But whiskey. Sadly for us it is only available at the Woodford Reserve Distillery and a limited number of Kentucky retailers. "We visited Limestone Branch Distillery and sampled a 100% malted rye from their Experimental Collection which was only available on site. So by that token, it should be no surprise that Powersa nearly 230-year-old whiskey makerknows how to make a killer bottle of Irish whiskey. Wild Turkey 101 is one of the best value bourbons around. "The above normal [amount] of rye grain in the mash bill allows the spirit to work with, but not be eclipsed, by accompanying flavors.. Looking to take your fully-stocked bar for a test drive? If you can't find Buffalo Trace in the $30 range or prefer a more bold and spicy profile, go with Wild Turkey 101. .css-1kgqwta{background:#ffffff;background-color:#ffffff;-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;border:thin solid #FF3A30;border-radius:2rem;color:#000;display:inline-block;font-family:Lausanne,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:0.875rem;letter-spacing:0.04rem;line-height:1.3;padding:0.625rem 1.25rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-color:#FF3A30;text-decoration-thickness:.0625rem;text-transform:uppercase;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;white-space:pre-line;width:auto;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1kgqwta{padding:0.5rem 0.7rem 0.3125rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1kgqwta{padding:0.6rem 1.125rem 0.3125rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1kgqwta{padding:0.6rem 1.125rem 0.3125rem;}}.css-1kgqwta:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}.css-1kgqwta:hover{color:#000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;background-color:#FF3A30;}ReserveBar TotalWine. Read our earnings disclaimer to learn more. Whereas other inexpensive options may be a bit overpowering, the mild Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey hits the spot with its warm and rich flavor. And you can taste a semblance of yesterday's Turkey in today's.". Jeffersons rich amber Bourbon is known for its red apple aroma and dried fruit flavor. The finish is somewhat sweet with slight notes of menthol, which may be a turn-off for some bourbon drinkers, but this surprisingly smooth bottle offers plenty of complexity. Discover the Best Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey: Which Wins? $58/$808: w.l weller antique: $125/$2,498: whistle pig 10yr rye: $62.00: woodford reserve: $26/$388: woodford rye: $28/$320: woodford reserve double coaked: $38/$448: woodford reserve master . The perfect mix of modern luxury business and lifestyle stories. Date of experience: August 2011. Theres also a Double Oaked version, which is matured for a second period of time in lightly charred barrels, as well as rye, wheat, and malt whiskeys. But which Bourbon should you choose for the perfect, whiskey-based cocktail? Or vice versago ahead and make a cocktail with that $500 bottle if you damn well please. Wild Turkey. Nose. Turkey makes their own yeast, have their own yeast cultures and have used the same yeast for 65 years," Minnick told me. As our rye whiskey series comes to a close we decided to take our 3 winners and "triple" blind them.#whiskey #ryewhiskey #rye #wildturkey #101 #woodfordreser. 22156. This differs between distillers and many distillers stick to one specific ratio to produce their offerings. Its a sophisticated brand thats won awards and acclaims internationally. The distillery has released some truly fantastic new expressions in its Whiskey Row series, like the 1920 Prohibition Style and 1897 Bottled In Bond, as well as the 117 Series which includes the recent Whiskey Row Fire expression. Review #1 Woodford Reserve Double Oaked vs Double Oaked Bevmo Store Wild Turkey? If I'm new to bourbon and these are the bottles - reddit We use lush tropical flavors of banana, coconut, and chocolate to complement the whiskeys natural sweetness and cardamom bitters to interplay with aromatic notes of vanilla and baking spices., Its not just Ron Swanson who considers Lagavulin 16-Year-Old Scotch Whisky to be the nectar of the godsNick Offerman (a.k.a. While a corn-heavy version will balance well with citrus. What's the difference between batched whiskey and single barrel whiskey? This is followed by notes of cinnamon, clove, roasted corn, and a hint of spicy rye with a balanced finish of candied fruit, fig, and walnut finish. Nicely balancing sweet and spicy notes along oak and pleasing warmth. The design feels sleek, [and it] looks good on a bar cart.. The newer Small Batch Select uses six recipes, its non-chill filtered, and its bottled at a higher 104 proof. wild turkey 101: $20/$248: wild turkey diamond anniversary: $58/$803: wild turkey forgiven: $32/$438: wild turkey masters keep 17yr: $68/$880 . The 114 proof has a complex nose, a velvety sip, and a burst of flavor on the tongue. homestyle Thai restaurant Wayla, praises this classic Scotch for being smooth with a hint of peat, orange, dark chocolate and ginger. This whiskey ages for no less than 5 years in heavily charred casks. In the Double Derby from Leroy's, we like to make it with a higher proof bourbon [like] Old Forester 100," they shared. Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon is Wild Turkey's flagship brand. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Review . $75 / 6 years old / 100 proof. Discover the differences between Wild Turkey 101 vs Woodford Reserve in this head to head comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You! All that being said, you really can't do much better than a humble bottle of 101 (don't waste your time with the 81-proof version). Color: Yellow Gold. "Wild Turkey has never been big or bold in their pursuit of innovation or envelope pushing, and that's fine. The Woodford Reserve (Alternatives) is nicely balanced, body is creamy and does not have any off-putting or demanding notes. And it damn sure shows," he said. This combination of factors makes it extremely user-friendly for drinkers who are new to the category., Region: Kentucky | ABV: 47% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Dried Fruit, Spice. Bourbon Is Becoming Stupid Expensive. It won several taste competitions over the past decade and works well as a versatile spirit. One of America's greatest whiskey producers have created a catalog uniquely suited to whiskey self-education. Whiskey that hails from America and Ireland is spelled just like thatwith an "e." When the booze hails from anywhere else in the worldlike Japan or Scotlandit's spelled "whisky," without an "e.". Soften it even more by adding a splash of water to help appreciate the buttery chocolate, gingerbread, tobacco leaf and toffee flavours. One of our video editors, Zach Lennon-Simon, is obsessed with Koval Bourbon, and its not difficult to see why. When she's not sharing her passion for the Oxford comma with anyone who will listen, she is a proud cat parent, avid yogi, tea enthusiast, and co-host and co-producer of the podcast "Crime Culture".