Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Overall Score: 7/10
Overall Value: 4/5
Distillery: Wild Turkey
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Campari Group
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 116.8
Age: NAS
Mashbill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Color: Red Caramel
MSRP: $50 (2025)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose on Rare Breed bourbon opens with a blending of sweet oak, dark chocolate, and a hint of red fruit reminiscent of cherry hand pies. There's a subtle corn pop cereal note, bringing a classic bourbon feel, while additional nosings reveal a touch of raisin and funnel cake without the powdered sugar. At 116.8 proof, a bit of alcohol tinge is present, but the overall experience is warm and inviting.
The mouthfeel on the palate is oily but leans slightly thin, delivering a mix of oak, honey, and vanilla. While the red fruit and chocolate notes from the nose don’t fully carry over, the bourbon remains mildly sweet, preventing it from becoming overly dry or tannic. A late citrusy kick of orange or grapefruit adds an extra layer, though it doesn’t quite reach the complexity of higher-tier barrel proof offerings.
The finish is where some divide may occur. While the honey sweetness lingers initially, oak takes over, bringing a touch of dryness. Notes of medicinal cherry and grapefruit add a slightly bitter edge, which some may appreciate more than others. Unlike some barrel proof bourbons, the wood influence here is balanced, making it approachable but not overwhelmingly rich.
Rare Breed bourbon remains one of the best values in barrel proof whiskey, offering a full-flavored experience at a reasonable MSRP. While more seasoned bourbon drinkers may notice its lack of complexity compared to premium store picks or limited releases, it shines as a reliable, easy-drinking high-proof pour.
Whether you’re looking for a great daily sipper or an introduction to barrel proof bourbons, Rare Breed continues to be a solid choice at its price point. If you enjoy this bottle, we’d encourage you to try the Rare Breed Rye!
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
It reminds me of one of those cheap frosted hand pies you can buy at a convenience or grocery store —specifically the cherry or chocolate ones.
It is intercepted by a sweet oak profile that also brings out the red fruit flavors along with a bit of pine.
Full-bodied nosings do present a bit of an alcohol tinge, but that’s to be expected at 116 proof. The overall experience is very nice.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is oily and somewhat thin with a bit of a bite. Oak is the highlighted flavor with a bit of char.
It does manage to remain on the mildly sweet side, which keeps it enjoyable for me. The final portion of the palate moves a bit citrusy like orange or grapefruit.
A bit disappointed that most of the notes from the nose are absent here.
THE FINISH:
This is the weakest part of the pour. The oak flavor becomes prominent and accompanies an unwanted dryness.
Additionally, more of the youthy alcohol flavor comes through. I get a decent amount of grapefruit and medicinal cherries.
BUY OR PASS?
This is a very solid and affordable barrel proof offering. It was an entry bourbon that really kicked off the bourbon journey for myself and many others.
However, for those who have experienced some stellar barrel proof store picks or other high-proof bourbons, the inadequacies will be more noticeable.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
The first thing I notice is oak and a corn pop cereal vibe, which feels similar to the Maker’s Mark profile.
After a bit of time, some dark chocolate sweetness peeks through, along with a touch of raisin.
As it opens up, it improves and starts to remind me of a funnel cake—but without the powdered sugar.
THE TASTE:
Sweet on the palate without being syrupy. It’s a classic bourbon profile with honey and vanilla leading the way.
While it’s punchy and enjoyable, it doesn’t offer much complexity.
It’s a good, straightforward bourbon without any standout surprises.
THE FINISH:
The honey sweetness lingers briefly before transitioning into oak.
The oak is balanced and doesn’t dry out the palate, which makes it quite enjoyable for someone like me who isn’t a fan of overpowering woodiness.
BUY OR PASS?
Rare Breed bourbon shines best as a casual sipper—a reliable bourbon you can enjoy with friends without overthinking it. If you dig deep and start analyzing, you’ll find it’s pretty one-note, but thankfully, that one note is satisfying.
For $50, it’s a solid pour that doesn’t pretend to be more than it is, and that’s okay with me.
