Review #1 Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell 70th 8yr bourbon

After being an avid whiskey drinker for many years, I’ve recently started expanding my palate thanks to the suggestions and reviews I’ve found here. While my palate and nose aren’t as refined as some of you, I wanted to give reviewing a try for fun. So, let’s dive in!

Today, I’m reviewing The Jimmy Russell 70th. This is a 101-proof bourbon, which I understand is essentially an elevated version of Wild Turkey 101. As a longtime fan of Wild Turkey, I was excited to get my hands on this bottle.

Nose: On the nose, I get a pleasant blend of sweet oak, caramel, and vanilla, with a hint of orange. It’s a very familiar Wild Turkey profile that I immediately recognize and enjoy.

Palate: The palate is surprisingly smooth. It hits you with sweetness right at the front—think brown sugar and caramel. The mouthfeel is nice: not too heavy, but definitely not thin. As it settles, you get a pleasant spiciness with a bit of pepper, which balances out the sweetness beautifully.

Finish:
The finish is a standout for me—it reminds me of drinking a vanilla cola, but without being overly sweet. The spice and pepper linger, adding complexity to the overall experience. I really enjoyed it.

Overall: This bourbon feels like a more refined version of the Wild Turkey 101 I’ve enjoyed for years. I picked up this bottle for $49.99, and after trying it, I immediately went back for two more. At about double the price of the standard 101, I’d say it’s absolutely worth it. I’ve had $80-$100 bottles that I’ve enjoyed less.

For me, this is a solid 7.5/10. I’ll be sad when I can’t find any more bottles, though I’m fortunate that my area has plenty for now.

I’m looking forward to continuing to grow my palate and exploring new bourbons. Thanks for reading my first review!