Typically, something occurs during the week that influences my choice of the distillery to feature in my next column. Recently, Jimmy Russell, the master distiller at Wild Turkey, celebrated his 90th birthday. This milestone serves as a perfect opportunity to spotlight both the distillery and the legend in my first column of December. Notably, 2024 marks an eventful year for Jimmy, as he also celebrated his 70th anniversary with Wild Turkey in September.
The origin of the Wild Turkey name is one of the most captivating stories in Kentucky bourbon production. In the early 20th century, Austin Nichols was a wine and spirit merchant. In 1940, Thomas McCarthy, an executive at Austin Nichols, borrowed a few bottles of bourbon for a wild turkey hunting trip with friends.
The bourbon quickly became a favorite among the group, leading them to request “that wild turkey bourbon” long after the trip ended. Its growing popularity prompted Austin Nichols to bottle Wild Turkey in 1942 officially. Initially, they did not distill the bourbon themselves; instead, they sourced it from the open market. This changed in 1971 when Austin Nichols acquired the Ripys/Gould distillery, which had supplied much of their bourbon for the previous thirty years.
In 2009, the Campari Group purchased the Wild Turkey brand and distillery, where ownership remains today. Campari is a large Italian conglomerate that also owns well-known brands such as Aperol, Grand Marnier, and Skyy Vodka. They also acquired a 70% stake in Wilderness Trail in 2022.
The master distillers at Wild Turkey, Jimmy and Eddie Russell, are a father-son duo both inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame. Their tenures with the brand are remarkable, with Jimmy joining in 1954 and Eddie following in 1981.
If you are familiar only with their Wild Turkey 101 offering, consider exploring their Rare Breed and Russell’s Reserve labels. Rare Breed, introduced in 1991, was one of the first barrel-proof bourbons. Russell’s Reserve, crafted by Eddie in 1998 to honor his father on the 45th anniversary of Jimmy’s entry into Wild Turkey, is a small-batch bourbon. Both are exceptional and best enjoyed neat.
Visiting the distillery is a highlight for me. Situated along the cliffs of the Kentucky River in Lawrenceburg, it offers stunning views from the Visitors Center, both inside and out. Keep an eye out for Jimmy Russell, who is often in the distillery. He has a vibrant personality and enjoys interacting with visitors. His wife, Joretta, is likely to accompany him. They recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.
Though he won’t announce himself, Jimmy is very approachable. If you recognize him, introduce yourself, and you’ll enjoy a delightful conversation with one of bourbon’s most knowledgeable figures. I suspect he knows more about the history and production of bourbon than anyone else in the country. Be sure to pick up a bottle of Russell’s Reserve or Rare Breed in the gift shop and have him sign it. Master distillers of his caliber are rare.
The Visitors Center has recently reopened after a lengthy closure for renovation. Be sure to book your tours online before your visit. Wild Turkey is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and open the rest of the week. Two tours and two tastings are available, providing all visitors with options. You can choose between their standard production tour or the “Born from the Barrel” experience, which they describe as an “in-depth Russell’s Reserve rickhouse experience.” Tasting options include the Wild Turkey Premium Bourbon Tasting or the Russell’s Reserve Connoisseur Whiskey Tasting; both last 30 minutes.
Mark Meade is the author of The Bourbon Journey, a travel guide that highlights our iconic bourbon distilleries and the experience of bourbon tourism. This column serves as a natural extension of the book. All rights reserved. For questions or comments, contact the author at [email protected].
