Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey, an iconic name in the bourbon world, is celebrating the 70th birthday of its legendary Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell, with a special limited edition release: Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon. Known for crafting high-quality, yet accessible whiskeys, Wild Turkey has created this release to pay homage to Russell’s remarkable career and lasting legacy.
A Tribute to a Bourbon Legend
Jimmy Russell, who has worked at Wild Turkey since the age of 18, has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s most beloved expressions, including the iconic Wild Turkey 101. For this limited edition, Russell personally selected a blend of 8 and 9-year-old bourbons, reflecting his own taste preferences. Bottled at 101 proof, the whiskey features inviting notes of oak and honey, with rich flavors of cream, butterscotch, and a finish of bittersweet chocolate.
A Family Affair
Bruce Russell, Jimmy’s grandson and Wild Turkey Associate Blender, shared his pride in this tribute to his grandfather: “While it’s hard to put Jimmy’s impact on the bourbon industry into words, I can’t think of a more fitting way to mark this milestone than with Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon. We selected a blend of whiskies from some of his favorite rickhouses, and at 101 proof, it’s exactly what he loves most about bourbon. We can’t wait for fans to enjoy it, and in Granddad’s words – if you don’t like it, he’ll drink it.”
Capturing a Legacy
To commemorate the occasion, the brand enlisted renowned photographer Danny Clinch to capture a portrait of Jimmy Russell. Known for photographing celebrities, rock stars, and world-class athletes, Clinch expressed his admiration for working with a true legend of the bourbon industry: “Jimmy’s passion, dedication, and craft are unmatched, and it was an honor to spend time with him in Kentucky to capture these moments. Cheers to 70 years of Jimmy Russell.”
The Man Behind the Bourbon
Reflecting on his incredible career, Jimmy Russell shared his philosophy: “In my eyes, I’ve never worked a day in my life. The day I do, I’ll retire. Until then, I’m going to keep making the bourbon I love.” With seven decades of dedication to Wild Turkey, Russell’s passion for bourbon continues to inspire generations of whiskey lovers around the world.
