Making bourbon

Hear from Wild Turkey Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell, how our iconic genuine bourbon whiskey is made. Bourbon must be distilled using at least 51% corn, with most distillers using 65% - 75% corn. Also, bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years in new, white oak barrels that have been charred. Plus, no other ingredients can be added at bottling to enhance the flavour or to add sweetness or alter the colour.

Premium Quality

To be allowed to be called a genuine bourbon, the spirit needs to be distilled in Kentucky, USA. The Wild Turkey Distillery is in Lawrenceburg, right in the heart of Bourbon County.

Premium Kentucky bourbon is also different to Tennessee whiskey that is made using a different production process. Unlike genuine bourbon that is made to demanding quality standards, Tennessee whisky can be manufactured using cheaper ingredients and methods.

How to rate a good bourbon

The proof of a great bourbon is that it has retained the rich flavours and taste profile of what it was like when it came out of the barrel. Wild Turkey uses the time honoured methods of making bourbon that have ensured the quality of our products for generations.We only use deep-layer-heavy-char barrels to ensure our bourbon retains its signature flavour and deep golden brown colour. And true to the hand-crafted ways of the ancestors of our current Master Distiller, we distil at a very low proof to seal in the flavours and deliver an exceptionally smooth finish. Great bourbons are also made using only the best ingredients. The grains used in Wild Turkey are rigorously checked for ripeness, purity and humidity. In fact, our self-imposed specification are more stringent than those of the US Federal government.