Rare Breed Rye is the higher strength counterpart to Wild Turkey's rye range, and it does what barrel proof bottlings are supposed to do: deliver the whiskey close to how it came out of the wood rather than proofed down to a house standard. This bottle sits at 56.1 percent alcohol by volume, 112.2 proof, printed on both the neck band and the label, and because it is a barrel proof release that figure moves between batches. Non chill filtered, so the compounds that carry weight and texture are still in the glass rather than stripped out for cosmetic clarity. Wild Turkey has been distilling at Lawrenceburg since the nineteenth century, and the house style is well established: low barrel entry proof, heavy char, and no rush. Rye as a grain brings pepper, mint and a dry herbal snap that corn simply cannot, and at this strength those qualities are amplified rather than softened. Expect a nose of vanilla, toffee and dark fruit set against rye spice and oak, then a palate that opens sweet before the pepper and clove arrive, carried on a thick, oily texture with real weight from the proof. The finish runs long and dry with lingering spice and char. Master distiller Jimmy Russell's signature is on the label, and he has held that role since 1954, which is a genuine claim rather than a marketing one. Drink it neat first, then add water in small amounts, because at 112 proof a few drops materially change what you are tasting.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
56.1% |
| Proof |
112.2 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey |
| Expression |
Rare Breed, Barrel Proof |
| Bottling Strength |
Barrel proof, batch specific |
| Age |
No age statement |
| Filtration |
Non chill filtered |
| Master Distiller |
Jimmy Russell |
| Distillery |
Wild Turkey Distillery, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber with a burnished copper cast.
Nose: Vanilla, toffee and dark fruit set against sharp rye spice, mint and toasted oak.
Palate: Thick and oily at full strength, opening sweet with caramel and vanilla before black pepper, clove and dry herbal rye push through.
Finish: Long and dry, closing on lingering spice, char and oak tannin.
FAQ
What proof is this bottle? It is 112.2 proof, or 56.1 percent alcohol by volume, printed on both the neck band and the front label. Because Rare Breed is bottled at barrel proof, the figure varies between batches.
Is this the same as Rare Breed Bourbon? No. Wild Turkey produces Rare Breed as both a bourbon and a rye. This is the rye, identifiable by the green banding and the word RYE on the label.
What does barrel proof mean? The whiskey is bottled at or near the strength it came out of the barrel, without being diluted to a fixed house proof. That preserves concentration but means the ABV differs from batch to batch.
Does it have an age statement? No. It is a batch of barrels of varying ages married together rather than a single age stated release.
Should I add water? Yes, after tasting it neat. At 112 proof small additions of water noticeably open the sweeter notes and temper the pepper.
Where can I buy Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
