94-Point Collectible Whiskey: A Must-Try Rye
Wild Turkey “Rare Breed” Small Batch Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($59.99)
“There are only a few rye whiskies on the market that could match or improve upon the near perfection that is the WT 101 bottling. The barrel-proof Rare Breed bottling is one of those rarities.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

Previously doled out in minuscule quantities because of limited availability and critical acclaim, we have a rare allocation of this full-proof Rye from a fan-favorite distillery. Wild Turkey’s “Rare Breed” Small Batch Rye is one of those whiskeys that hits all the marks—bold, complex, and endlessly dynamic, it delivers a classic profile and a price that is more akin to the good ol’ days than the competitive collectible market. No wonder it disappears from the shelf almost instantly. This new parcel is generous enough for us to get the word out, but make no mistake, it has the same destiny as the previous lots, especially considering this highly coveted dram was recently tabbed as the #5 Whisky of 2020 in Whisky Advocate‘s annual ranking. For a special bottling of go-to Rye from a world-class distiller, look no further.

Wild Turkey “Rare Breed” Small Batch Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($59.99)

94 points Whisky Advocate: “Complex from the start, with a nose of roasted nuts and dark fruit—blueberry pie, grape jelly—along with bundled herbs, fresh-brewed iced tea, and weathered barn boards. Mint, cinnamon, pepper, concord grape jelly, peanuts, and black tea swirl on the palate, which is full and robust thanks to the absence of chill-filtration. Without water it finishes hot, but the oak, roasted nut, and tiramisu flavors help retain balance. *Ranked #5 Whisky of 2020, Editors’ Choice* (SSB, Fall 2020)”

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 25, 2021

There are only a few rye whiskies on the market that could match or improve upon the near perfection that is the WT 101 bottling. The barrel-proof Rare Breed bottling is one of those rarities. If the spice offered by the Kickin’ Chicken’s Bourbon is your jam, don’t miss the barrel-proof version of the rye—it’s turned up to 11 in every sense. The nose stands a mile high above the glass and is a complex amalgam of wild fruit patch and cracked peppercorns. Berries—black, red, and blue—intermix with fresh cut grass, humus soil, and sweet but piquant smell of hot chili peppers. The palate is a take-no-prisoners affair. It’s big and beastly with a serious focus on spice, both pepper and cinnamon bark. If you let it linger long enough, you unlock sweeter notes, gentler spices, roasted nuts, bitter chocolate cocoa nibs, and a sweet caramel/vanilla wood profile in the background. Tame it with water and it gets a little sweeter still. You can dial it in pretty much however you like, giving it tremendous flexibility in any cocktail application. It’s a terrific whiskey all around.