Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye
Overall Score: 7/10
Overall Value: 3.75/5
Distillery: Wild Turkey
Classification: Straight Rye
Company: Campari Group
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 112.2
Age: NAS
Mashbill: 51% Rye, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley
Color: Orange Caramel
MSRP: $70
The Barrel Bros’ Review
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye, bottled at a robust 112.2 proof, commands attention with its classic rye spice and a subtle hint of caramel on the nose. While the initial aroma hints at depth, the palate delivers a straightforward experience dominated by the rye spice, accompanied by a nostalgic sweetness reminiscent of raisins and grape-flavored Swisher Sweets.
Despite the youthfulness hinted by its alcohol bite, the whiskey offers a satisfactory mouthfeel with notes of light tobacco and fig Newton — though it falls short of delivering a fully immersive flavor profile.
The finish, characterized by pipe tobacco and lingering sweetness, builds gradually but lacks complexity, leaving a one-note impression. Priced at $60, Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Rye presents decent value for its offering, though it falls short of standing out among its competitors.
While it may not reach the heights of excellence anticipated, it remains a solid choice for enthusiasts seeking a familiar rye experience. However, considering its youthfulness and limited depth, discerning barrel bros may find better options at a similar or slightly higher price point. Ultimately, while Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye may not be the pinnacle of rye whiskey, it still holds its ground as a reliable choice for those seeking a familiar and accessible barrel-proof pour.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
I was immediately hit with a sweetness that reminded me of opening a Sunkist raisin packet! A combination of the sweet raisin and the cardboard packaging.
It is very sweet, but the alcohol bite does make an appearance. It’s not overpowering, but it does hint at this being a youthier whiskey.
Typical rye spice undertones. Strangely, on heavy inhales I was also reminded of pizza sauce. Perhaps the rye spice was messing with me!
THE TASTE:
There was an initial flavor present that invoked a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. Upon a second tasting, I was able to pinpoint it.
The sweet scent of a grape-flavored Swisher Sweet! The cheap gas station cigars my friends and I used to buy when we were riding bikes around town late at night.
Once again I do need to mention that the proof is present here. I don’t think this whiskey is of a particularly old age.
Following some of those light tobacco notes I also get a bit of Fig Newton as well. I get a Juicy mouth feel, although it’s not as full as you might hope for the proof point.
THE FINISH:
I didn’t get many new notes on the finish of this pour. The pipe tobacco flavor really sets in, but the sweetness remains too. It’s one note, but it’s a good note.
Also, it did build to something quite nice by the end of my pour.
BUY OR PASS?
This has always been one of my favorite findable rye whiskeys. However, sipping it during our review did reveal it to be lacking in a few areas, and it shows signs of being a younger whiskey.
It wasn’t quite the pinnacle of excellence I had built up in my mind. That said, all of the flavor notes are right up my alley, and it’s still my standard for rye whiskeys at or above the $60 price point. It’s a bottle that I’ll always try to keep on my shelf!
The Hunter Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
Right off the bat, you're hit with that classic rye spice, accompanied by the unmistakable punch of its 112.2 proof.
It takes a bit of a nosy detective to uncover much else, but eventually, a hint of caramel peeks through, followed by a subtle aroma of buttered cracker. The nose is definitely the highlight of the pour!
THE TASTE:
Yep, there's that rye spice again, riding on the coattails of that delightful 112.2 proof.
The mouthfeel? Fantastic. But beyond that, there's not a whole lot of depth to write home about.
THE FINISH:
Rye, as expected, with a dash of oak and a hint of ethanol — along with a fleeting sweetness that's here and gone in the blink of an eye.
Oh, and let's not forget the char at the end – unfortunately, not in a good way.
BUY OR PASS?
In terms of value, I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 at $60 a bottle, especially since it's becoming easier to snag off the shelf. Overall, it lands a 6.5 out of 10 in my book, especially when stacked up against all the ryes I've ever had.
If we're comparing it to its bourbon sibling, Rare Breed Bourbon takes the cake. There are definitely better barrel-proof ryes out there, but hey, there are also worse. This one? It's comfortably parked in the middle lane.
So, there you have it – Rare Breed Rye in a nutshell. Give it a whirl if you're curious, but don't expect it to knock your socks off. Cheers, and happy sipping!
