CULT-FAVORITE WILD TURKEY® 101 8-YEAR-OLD BOURBON JOINS THE DISTILLERY'S ICONIC 101 RANGE IN THE UNITED STATES

A favorite of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and best-seller globally, this age-stated take on the iconic Wild Turkey® 101 will be available at US retailers starting this April

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky., April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wild Turkey Distilling Company, the award-winning distillery known for its bold Kentucky bourbon, announced today that it is bringing Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon to the United States as a permanent offering, with the product rolling out on shelves alongside the classic Wild Turkey 101 this April. Rooted in a recipe that has stood the test of time, this age-stated bourbon pays homage to the original Wild Turkey 101, which was famously bottled after eight years of aging.

In recent years, Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon has exclusively been available in select export markets, where it has garnered a devoted following and become a best-selling cult favorite among consumers and collectors around the world. Despite its rarity in the US, the bourbon remains one of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell's favorite whiskeys – making the permanent US launch particularly special for the Russell family as Jimmy begins his eighth decade at Wild Turkey.

"Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon has always been a favorite – not just for my granddad Jimmy, but for bourbon lovers around the globe. After one sip, you'll see why," says Wild Turkey's Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell. "This bourbon holds a special place in our distillery's history, and its return to the US proves the timeless quality of its recipe. As age-stated expressions become more popular across the category in the US, we are looking forward to more bourbon enthusiasts being able to enjoy this masterfully crafted bourbon."

The United States' eagerness for an age-stated Wild Turkey 101 was evidenced last year when the distillery released a limited run of age-stated bourbon in a commemorative bottle to celebrate Jimmy Russell's 70th anniversary at Wild Turkey. That one-time offering, blended by Eddie and Bruce Russell as a celebratory tribute to Jimmy, featured the iconic Master Distiller's signature 8-year-old, 101-proof bourbon along with an additional blend of 8- to 9-year-old whiskeys that were hand-selected from a few of his favorite rickhouses. With the growing appreciation for age-stated bourbons in the US, the permanent reintroduction of Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon caters to those seeking an aged expression of the whiskey that still shines with bold flavor from its classic high-proof.

The extended aging of Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old brings more complex notes of toffee and clove with an even longer finish than traditional Wild Turkey 101, enhancing the bourbon's profile and making it ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks. It's a mature and rich expression of the bold character of Wild Turkey 101, which has long been a favorite of bourbon lovers and bartenders for the depth and flavor it brings to classic whiskey cocktails like the brand's signature "Bold Fashioned." With the addition of 8-Year-Old 101 to Wild Turkey's range in the US, the portfolio now offers a bourbon to suit a wide variety of occasions, serves and tastes.

Compared to the standard Wild Turkey 101 offering that is made using a blend of 6- to 8-year-old bourbons, Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old is blended from a smaller batch of barrels that are hand-selected for the characteristics and complexity they'll bring to a neat pour. The resulting bourbon features refined notes of vanilla, clove, toffee, charred oak, lemon zest and black cherry complemented by a long, lingering finish of brown sugar, dried fruit, vanilla, and allspice. Packaged in a 750ml bottle for the US, the suggested retail price is $45 USD. For more information, visit the link here.

ABOUT WILD TURKEY

The distillery for Wild Turkey Bourbon is in Kentucky, situated on a deep limestone shelf on the Kentucky River. The shelf acts as a natural filter and provides the distillery with crystal clear water, vital to making such a high-quality product. Wild Turkey features the legendary father and son Master Distilling team of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have over 100 years of collective experience working at the Wild Turkey distillery, and are now joined by the next generation, Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell.

The famous Wild Turkey brand name first came about back in 1940 when distillery executive Thomas McCarthey took a few warehouse samples on a Wild Turkey hunting trip with a group of friends. The following year, his friends asked him for "some of that Wild Turkey whiskey" and the brand was born.

Wild Turkey is distilled and put into new oak barrels at a much lower ABV than most bourbons. This results in a much richer flavor, as less is cooked out during the production process. Aging in the highest quality new American oak barrels with the heaviest char available (the Number 4 "alligator" char), imparts a smooth flavor and deep amber color to the whiskey. The barrels are filled at the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Website: wildturkey.com.

ABOUT CAMPARI GROUP

Campari Group is a major player in the global spirits industry, with a portfolio of over 50 premium and super premium brands, spreading across Global, Regional and Local priorities.

Global Priorities, the Group's key focus, include Aperol, Campari, SKYY, Grand Marnier, Espolòn, Courvoisier, Wild Turkey and Appleton Estate.

The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. It has a global distribution reach, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas.

Campari Group's growth strategy aims to combine organic growth through strong brand building and external growth via selective acquisitions of brands and businesses.

Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari Group operates in 23 production sites worldwide and has its own distribution network in 26 countries. Campari Group employs approximately 4,900 people.

The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano N.V. (Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM), have been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: http://www.camparigroup.com/en. Please enjoy our brands responsibly.

SOURCE Wild Turkey