Wild Turkey 101 is a bar staple for a reason, and it has a proud spot on our shelf here in West Seattle. This is honest, high-proof Kentucky straight bourbon from the Russell family distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and it punches well above its price. At Camp West we love it because it is the kind of bourbon you can sip neat by the fire or build into a cocktail without it disappearing. It is bold, dependable, and unpretentious, which is exactly our speed.
About the Distillery
Wild Turkey is made in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, under the stewardship of the Russell family. Master Distiller Jimmy Russell has worked at Wild Turkey since 1954, one of the longest tenures in the industry, and his son Eddie Russell joined in 1981 as co-master distiller. Both are members of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. That continuity, more than six decades of the same hands guiding the whiskey, is a big part of why 101 tastes the way it does.
Style & Mash Bill
This is a Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at its namesake 101 proof. It is built on Wild Turkey’s signature mash bill of roughly 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, and aged in barrels with a heavy char. The higher proof keeps the flavor concentrated and gives it real backbone.
Tasting Notes
Expect a nose of vanilla, toffee, and toasted oak with a dusting of baking spice. The palate is rich and full, leading with caramel and brown sugar, then orange peel, tobacco, and that characteristic char-driven warmth. The finish is long, spicy, and satisfying. It is a classic bourbon profile, just turned up.
How to Enjoy It at Camp West
We pour Wild Turkey 101 for $10. Neat, it shows off its caramel-and-spice depth. Over a single large rock, the proof mellows just enough for easy sipping. It is also a workhorse in cocktails: its 101 proof stands up beautifully in an Old Fashioned, a Whiskey Sour, or a Boulevardier. Tell your bartender how you like it.
FAQ
What proof is Wild Turkey 101? It is bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), which is where the name comes from.
Is Wild Turkey 101 a good cocktail bourbon? Yes. The higher proof means it holds its flavor when mixed, making it a favorite for Old Fashioneds and sours.
Stop in and pour one. Book a table, browse the full whiskey list, or explore our complete beverage menu.