Wild Turkey "Kentucky Spirit" Pewter Top - 1996

The Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit with the pewter top, produced from 1994 to 2001, represents a significant and highly sought-after expression in the distillery's history. This single barrel bourbon, bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), was Wild Turkey's answer to the growing premium bourbon market of the 1990s, particularly in response to the success of Blanton's. The distinctive bottle design, shaped like a turkey with fanned feathers, and the weighty pewter stopper made it stand out on shelves and in collections. What makes the pewter top Kentucky Spirit releases particularly special is their connection to Wild Turkey's heritage. These bottles were often filled with bourbon from Warehouses A, B, and C on the original Tyrone campus, which were personal favorites of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell. The age of the whiskey in these bottles is believed to range from 8 to 14 years, with some early releases potentially containing even older stocks. Tasting notes for these vintage Kentucky Spirits often describe a rich, complex flavor profile featuring the classic Wild Turkey "funk" - a combination of robust oak, vanilla, caramel, and spice, with a distinctive fruity and sometimes medicinal character that sets it apart from other bourbons of the era. Today, these pewter top releases are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts, not just for their historical significance, but for the quality and unique character of the bourbon they contain.