Wild Turkey debuts Archives Collection
Campari Group-owned Wild Turkey has launched a new Austin Nichols Archives Collection, the first limited series overseen by associate master blender Bruce Russell.
The new annual limited series is said to pay tribute to some of the most sought-after vintage bottles in Wild Turkey’s rich history.
The inaugural release, Gold Foil Edition, is a 16-year-old Kentucky straight Bourbon that aims to capture the spirit of one of Wild Turkey’s vintages from the 1980s and 1990s, referred to by fans as ‘Cheesy Gold Foil’.
The Austin Nichols Archives Collection follows the conclusion of the brand’s Master’s Keep series last year.
It is the first Wild Turkey Series led by associate master blender Bruce, a third-generation Russell family member.
Bruce first conceived the series more than a decade ago to honour his grandfather, Jimmy Russell. His goal was to reimagine beloved classic bottlings through a modern perspective while paying tribute to Wild Turkey’s signature Bourbon-making approach.
For Bruce, the Austin Nichols Archives Collection represents both a ‘personal passion project and a significant professional milestone’.
The Gold Foil Edition pays tribute to whiskeys that were produced during the ‘Glut Era’, a time when whiskey’s popularity declined, and inventories increased. During this period, Jimmy often blended older barrels into standard bottlings, resulting in Bourbons with exceptional depth, intensity, and the unique ‘mature oak funk’.
To faithfully capture the character and distinctive profile of that era, the Gold Foil Edition was created using a longer ageing process and a higher proof – bottled at 60% ABV.
Bruce said: “Austin Nichols Archives has been a labour of love, and I’m excited to finally share it with Bourbon lovers everywhere.
“Gold Foil Edition was the perfect Bourbon to launch the collection. Inspired by a personal favourite of mine and of many Wild Turkey fans, I drew on everything I’ve learned from my father and grandfather to create a whiskey that honours the Wild Turkey legacy.”
The expression was created from barrels sourced from the Wild Turkey F, D and E rickhouses located at Camp Nelson.
It showcases the distillery’s signature funk, dark fruit, and mature oak, accompanied by cherry cola, clove, and dark honey, with peppery spice, brown sugar, and leather on the finish.
The packaging is inspired by classic vintage advertising and Wild Turkey’s origin story. The canister showcases an autumn hunting scene that pays homage to the brand’s name. Inside, it features a gold foil lining and a label that resembles the original vintage design.
Each release in the series will feature a unique hidden Easter egg.
Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives Gold Foil Edition is available in limited quantities in select markets for a suggested retail price of US$400.
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