Sometimes I like to check my enthusiasm for newer craft-distillery releases against a dose of established-distillery realism. In this case we have 2 barrel proof Kentucky ryes that are in the same price range ($50-$60). Fancy Glencairn is an old-soul and chooses the Wild Turkey, lets see if that’s a smart move!

Wilderness Trail) Sweet mash, Aged around 4yrs, 118proof.
-The Nose immediately hits with some of that bready sweet-corn that I get with younger bourbons. Then I get some fruitiness (strawberry, orange), vanilla, and cut-grass.
-The Palate has a decently full mouthfeel and flavor, with initial menthol, green-apple, and black pepper, that then gets sweeter with brown-sugar, and baking spices. Toward the end that musty sweet-corn starts to appear again.
-The finish is medium, with that sweet-corn turning into some rye-spice, and slight oak.
Overall this is an enjoyable rye whiskey, and I’d be happy to pay $40 for it.

Wild Turkey) Blend of 4, 6, and 8yr ryes, 112.2proof.
-The Nose is very interesting with notes of black tea, cinnamon, lemon peel, green-apple, and oak char.
-The Palate is fairly full-flavored with initial rye spice, mint, and cinnamon, and then turns more sweet with caramel, oak, and some dark fruits (raisin, date).
-The Finish is medium in length, with those sweet notes turning into vanilla with orange peel, black pepper, and charred oak.
Overall this is an excellent, complex rye, and one I will keep stocked!

VERDICT) Once again, the younger contestant just can’t hold up to the older age of the Wild Turkey in this price range… Fancy carries a clear win here! The Rare Breed Rye is one of the best examples of a “Kentucky Rye” that I’ve had in this price range.

I’d love to know what you guys think!?