Real Kentucky Bourbon. Real Heritage. No Shortcuts.

Nestled on a high bluff overlooking the Kentucky River in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, the Wild Turkey Distillery stands as a monument to timeless American whiskey making. For generations, we’ve adhered to a simple philosophy: do things the right way, not the easy way.

While the world around us chases quick trends and automated production, Wild Turkey continues to craft authentic Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey using traditional methods, high-quality ingredients, and an unwavering commitment to bold flavor.

Our Story: Born in Lawrenceburg, Defined by Boldness

The roots of our distillery stretch back to 1891, when the Ripy family established a distilling legacy on the legendary Tyrone Hill in Lawrenceburg. However, the iconic “Wild Turkey“ name was born in 1940.

Distillery executive Thomas McCarthy pulled a sample of undiluted 101-proof bourbon from the warehouse to share with friends on an annual wild turkey hunting trip in South Carolina. The pour made such an indelible impression that his companions insisted on taking more of “that Wild Turkey bourbon” on their next trip. Shortly after, an American icon was officially named.

Decades later, that same spirit of camaraderie, bold proof, and uncompromising quality remains at the heart of every bottle we seal.

Driven by Legendary Master Distillers

Great bourbon requires time, but exceptional bourbon requires leadership. Wild Turkey is proud to be home to two of the most revered figures in spirits history:

  • Jimmy Russell – The Buddha of Bourbon: With over 60 years at the distillery, Master Distiller Jimmy Russell is the longest-tenured active master distiller in the world. Jimmy built the modern foundation of Wild Turkey by refusing to lower proofs or shorten aging cycles, holding firm to classic bourbon traditions.

  • Eddie Russell – Master Distiller & Visionary: Following in his father’s footsteps, Eddie Russell joined Wild Turkey in 1981, working his way up from relief operator to Master Distiller. Inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame alongside Jimmy, Eddie has expanded our portfolio with modern classics like Wild Turkey Rare Breed and the celebrated Master’s Keep Series.

Together, the Russell family brings over a century of combined expertise to every barrel.

How We Craft Wild Turkey: The Pillars of Our Flavor Profile

What makes Wild Turkey instantly recognizable on the palate? It comes down to strict adherence to our core crafting standards:

1. High-Rye Mash Bill

While corn gives bourbon its rich sweetness, our signature recipe features a higher percentage of rye grain than many standard bourbons. This delivers a complex layer of baking spice, pepper, and bold character to the finish.

2. Deep #4 “Alligator” Char Barrels

We age our bourbon exclusively in heavy #4 “Alligator” char American White Oak barrels. This intense level of charring opens up the wood, imparting rich notes of vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and a deep amber hue.

3. Low Barrel Entry Proof

We barrel our distillate at a lower proof than most competitors. Lowering the proof before aging allows more natural wood sugars to dissolve into the spirit during maturation. This means we add significantly less water prior to bottling, resulting in a richer, fuller mouthfeel and authentic flavor.

4. Patient Maturation in Kentucky Rickhouses

Aging in Kentucky’s climate creates dramatic seasonal temperature swings. Our classic timber rickhouses breathe naturally, forcing the whiskey deep into the charred oak wood in summer and pulling back in winter to develop unmatched depth and complexity.

Our Iconic Portfolio

Whether you prefer a neat pour, a splash over ice, or a classic Old Fashioned, our lineup delivers authentic Kentucky character across every expression:

  • Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon: Our flagship icon. Aged 6 to 8 years and bottled at 101 proof for a rich, spicy, and satisfying finish.

  • Wild Turkey 81 Bourbon: Smooth, approachable, and versatile—crafted at 81 proof for casual sipping or cocktail mixing.

  • Wild Turkey Rare Breed: Barrel-proof bourbon in its purest form. Unfiltered, uncompromised, and packed with bold notes of sweet tobacco, caramel, and warm oak.

  • Wild Turkey 101 Rye Whiskey: A legend among bartenders and rye lovers, delivering intense mint, spice, and citrus notes.

  • Russell’s Reserve: Small-batch and single-barrel expressions hand-selected by Jimmy and Eddie Russell.

Visit the Wild Turkey Distillery

Experience the craft firsthand. Located along the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the Wild Turkey Visitor Center offers guided distillery tours, tasting experiences, and panoramic views of the scenic Kentucky River.

Distillery Location:

Wild Turkey Distillery

1525 Tyrone Road

Lawrenceburg, KY 40342

Trust the Pour.

“We do things the old-fashioned way because it’s the right way. No gimmicks, no shortcuts—just real Kentucky bourbon bottled at its true potential.”

— Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller