Wild Turkey has expanded their portfolio with the addition of Wild Turkey 81 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The first whiskey solely crafted by Associate Distiller and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey 81 was developed with bartenders and consumers in mind, creating a mixable spirit that delivers Wild Turkey’s famous kick every time.
Wild Turkey 81 was born through extensive research by Eddie Russell, with the collaboration of his father, Jimmy Russell. Eddie wanted to create a spirit all his own that met the needs of today’s whiskey drinker who is looking to experience bourbon with mixers and in classic, good-time cocktails more and more.
“I discovered those folks who didn’t want the punch of Wild Turkey 101 were sorely disappointed by other whiskies that disappeared like a fox down a hole when mixed with things like cola,” said Eddie Russell. “So with Jimmy’s blessing, I developed Wild Turkey 81—an everyday whiskey that can stand up to any mixer or in any cocktail with the bold, in-your-face taste that is instinctively Wild Turkey.”
Wild Turkey 81 uses Wild Turkey’s famous high-rye mash for a spicy kick. Hand-selected American oak barrels from the Ozark Mountains receive an “alligator char” before being filled at the distillery in Lawrenceberg, Kentucky. Wild Turkey 81 is the only bourbon in the category to use this expensive, deep char, resulting in extreme vanilla and caramel flavors that are hallmarks of a Wild Turkey Bourbon.
“Mother Nature’s got her hands all over this brand,” continued Eddie. “We like to do things the old fashioned way around here, letting the barrels age solely based on the weather that shows up on our doorstep that day, which creates a more balanced whiskey.”
Wild Turkey 81 is composed of primarily six, seven and eight year old whiskies, making it the longest-aged bourbon or Tennessee whiskey in its class. The result is a whiskey with a deep, rich amber color.
The new packaging for Wild Turkey 81 is the first package change to the Wild Turkey family in nearly 15 years. The classic bottle shape remains the same, but the label gets a “badass” makeover. It is cleaner and more aggressive, with the famous Wild Turkey symbol standing proud. The new packaging will be featured with Wild Turkey 81, Wild Turkey Rye, and Wild Turkey 101.
“Even a good old boy changes his shirt every now and again,” said Jimmy Russell.
Wild Turkey 81 is priced at $19.99 and is available now in the United States at bars, restaurants and spirits retailers nationwide. It will be supported by an extensive marketing campaign featuring print, outdoor, and digital advertising as well as a social media campaign.
