Campari Group (Wild Turkey Distillery)

When a distillery executive names a bourbon after a turkey hunting trip, you know there's character behind the brand. Wild Turkey has been producing bold, high-rye Kentucky bourbon in Lawrenceburg since 1869, guided by the steady hands of the Russell family for over seven decades.

History & Heritage

The Ripy family founded what would become Wild Turkey Distillery in 1869, building on the site of the even older Old Moore Distillery from 1850. The Wild Turkey name emerged in 1940 when distillery executive Thomas McCarthy shared bourbon samples on a hunting trip, prompting his companions to request "that Wild Turkey bourbon." Austin Nichols began marketing the brand in 1942, eventually purchasing the facility in 1971 before Pernod Ricard acquired it in 1980. The Campari Group took ownership in 2009, but the real continuity comes from Master Distillers Jimmy Russell, who joined in 1954, and his son Eddie, who became co-master distiller in 1981.

The Whiskey

Wild Turkey distinguishes itself through a high-rye mash bill and lower-proof distillation that preserves more grain character than typical industry practice. The distillery uses non-GMO grains, Kentucky limestone water, and a closely guarded proprietary yeast strain. Aging occurs in new charred American white oak barrels with deep No. 4 "alligator" char, typically for 6 to 12 years. Notable expressions include Wild Turkey 101 with its bold, spicy profile, barrel-proof Rare Breed, and the Russell's Reserve line honoring the master distillers.

Why It Matters

Few distilleries can claim such consistent leadership, with the Russells representing nearly three generations of bourbon-making knowledge. Wild Turkey's commitment to higher rye content and longer aging produces expressions that stand apart from lighter, more approachable bourbons flooding the market. Russell's Reserve 15-year earned recognition as Breaking Bourbon's top whiskey of 2024, confirming that traditional methods still produce exceptional results.