The Wild Turkey Distillery sits along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, where Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and his team craft high-rye bourbon according to a time-tested recipe. Wild Turkey’s 8 Year Old 101 Proof Bourbon is a small-batch blend of barrels aged a minimum of eight years. This age-stated expression pays tribute to the brand’s heritage – the original Wild Turkey 101 debuted in the 1940s with an 8-year age statement. After the age statement was dropped in the 1990s for domestic releases, the 8-year-old version remained a cult favorite overseas. In April 2025 Wild Turkey announced it would return permanently to U.S. shelves, reclaiming its place among the distillery’s flagship 101-proof offerings. As the label indicates, it is 101 proof (50.5% ABV), delivering a bold yet refined bourbon that master distillers describe as both “robust” and “smooth.”
On the nose, Wild Turkey 8 Year 101 Proof greets you with classic bourbon aromas: caramel, toasted nuts, citrus peel and sweet charred oak. The palate is rich and layered – flavors of vanilla, clove, and toffee give way to charred oak, lemon zest and a hint of black cherry. It finishes long and warming, with brown sugar, dried fruit, vanilla and baking-spice notes lingering on the tongue. The liquid pours a deep amber-gold hue (the result of at least eight years in heavily charred new oak). At 101 proof it is full-bodied and powerful, yet the extra aging keeps it surprisingly smooth and balanced, making it ideal to sip neat or with a few drops of water.
Food and Cigar Pairings
Barbecue & Grilled Meats: Hearty smoked or grilled fare – think brisket, ribs, or char-grilled steaks – stands up to this bourbon’s robust oak and spice. The whiskey’s rich, caramel and spice notes complement the smoky char of barbecued meats.
Rich Desserts: Sweet, flavorful desserts like dark chocolate, pecan pie or bread pudding make a superb counterpoint. Their sugary depth plays off the bourbon’s brown-sugar and vanilla finish for a satisfying contrast.
Cigars: Pair with full-flavored, peppery cigars. For example, the Nicaraguan Crowned Heads Jericho Hill (a bold, black-pepper-and-earth cigar) matches well with Wild Turkey 101’s cinnamon-spice character. Similarly, a Honduran Corojo-wrapped cigar like Rocky Patel’s The Edge (notes of white pepper, leather and coffee) complements the bourbon’s vanilla–caramel and oak richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wild Turkey 8 Year Old 101 Proof Bourbon? It’s a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey aged 8 years and bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV). This expression is part of Wild Turkey’s 101 family of high-proof bourbons, and it honors the classic recipe developed by the Russell family. The brand emphasizes its “rich, complex” profile resulting from extended barrel aging.
How does the 8-Year 101 differ from regular Wild Turkey 101? The key difference is age: the 8-Year 101 uses barrels aged at least eight years, whereas standard Wild Turkey 101 (no age statement) is typically younger. The longer aging gives more depth and maturity. Wild Turkey notes that the extra barrel time creates a “mature and rich expression” while still retaining the bold flavor of 101 proof. In short, the 8-year version is a higher-end, age-stated sibling to the regular 101 bourbon.
What are the tasting notes (color, nose, palate, finish)? This bourbon pours a deep amber-gold color from long cask aging. On the nose it shows caramel, roasted nuts, citrus peel and sweet oak. The palate is rich and full-bodied: vanilla, clove and toffee mingle with charred oak, lemon zest and a hint of black cherry. The finish is long and warm, with lingering notes of brown sugar, dried fruit, vanilla and allspice. Despite its 101 proof, it is surprisingly smooth and well-balanced thanks to the careful eight-year maturation.
What foods pair well with this bourbon? Bold, savory dishes are ideal. Smoked barbecue (brisket, ribs) or grilled meats complement the bourbon’s oak and spice. Rich, dark desserts work well too: the sweetness of dark chocolate or pecan pie highlights the whiskey’s vanilla and sugar finish. In general, pair it like you would any big bourbon – hearty protein and chocolatey desserts are winners.
Which cigars pair nicely with Wild Turkey 8 Year 101 Proof? Choose full-flavored, spicy cigars. For instance, Crowned Heads Jericho Hill (Nicaraguan blend with black-pepper and earthy notes) harmonizes with the bourbon’s spice. Another great match is Rocky Patel The Edge (a Honduran Corojo-wrapped cigar with pepper, leather and coffee). The whiskey’s vanilla–caramel backbone helps tame the cigar’s kick, making each a perfect partner.
Where can I buy this bourbon online? Nestor Liquor is a trusted online retailer that stocks Wild Turkey products. In fact, their product page explicitly highlights the 8-year age statement and 101-proof strength of this bourbon. Shopping at Nestor Liquor ensures you get the genuine age-stated Wild Turkey 8 Year Old 101 Proof Bourbon from an authorized seller.
