Paul Kushner
Wild Turkey Distilling Company has unveiled Wild Turkey Generations, a highly limited and ultra-premium bourbon that represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration between three generations of the iconic Russell family. Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, his son Eddie Russell, and grandson Bruce Russell have come together to create this special whiskey, blending four bourbons that were hand selected to represent each of their unique palates and preferences.
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Generations is made from 9-, 12-, 14-, and 15-year-old bourbons, chosen by Jimmy, Eddie, and Bruce for their distinct characteristics. Jimmy stayed true to his tastes by picking a nine-year bourbon consistent with Wild Turkey’s classic profile. Bruce, who shares his grandfather’s preference for bold flavors, selected the 12-year component. Eddie favors softer, honeyed flavors typically found in older whiskies, and chose the 15-year bourbon as well as collaborating with Bruce on the 14-year selection.
The Russells then blended the four bourbons in varying increments to achieve a harmonious flavor profile that captures “the heart and spirit of the Russell family” according to Eddie. At a barrel proof of 120.8 proof and non-chill filtered, Generations delivers rich complexity and character in each sip. For Jimmy, Eddie, and Bruce, who signed their names on the custom etched bottle, this release represents the first time collaborating on a single whiskey.
“Seeing [Bruce’s] name etched into the bottle next to ours will forever bring me back to the memories we shared when creating this rare release,” said Eddie Russell. As Wild Turkey’s new Associate Distiller, Bruce is continuing the family tradition passed down from his grandfather and father. Generations pays tribute to the Russell family’s immeasurable impact and multi-generational history at Wild Turkey’s iconic distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
With complex notes of vanilla, caramel, dark cherry, pepper, aged oak, floral spices, baked apple, toffee, and cloves on the nose and palate, finished with dark fruit and baking spice, Generations is sure to become a hall-of-fame whiskey for the Russell family. This limited release will be available at select retailers nationwide for a suggested price of $450. Wild Turkey is also offering fans exclusive early access through an online pre-sale.
As reported by Prnewswire, Generations was crafted through a blending of bourbons ranging from 9 to 15 years old that were specially selected by Jimmy, Eddie, and Bruce Russell. The bourbons were aged in charred oak barrels and blended without any additional barrel finishing. This results in a bourbon with rich notes of vanilla, caramel, and dark cherry on the nose and palate.
