Wild Turkey Distilling Company has unveiled Wild Turkey Generations, a first-ever collaboration from three generations of the iconic Russell family of whiskey makers.
This is a blend of four whiskies meant to showcase the varied palates, personal preferences and expertise of Jimmy, Eddie and Bruce Russell. It’s the first release from the distillery to feature the signatures of the grandfather, father and son trio on the the custom-etched bottle.
“With Generations, we set out to make a whiskey that was truly a celebration of family and bold spirit,” says Bruce Russell, the newly named Wild Turkey Associate Blender. “My dad always says we are more than the name on the bottle — and this was my first opportunity to bring my own point of view while also applying everything I’ve learned from him and my granddad.”
Bruce, like his grandfather Jimmy, prefers bold bourbon flavors, the company says, which come through in the 12-year bourbon he selected for the blend. Eddie has a penchant for a softer honeyed, vanilla-laden flavor that typically comes from older bourbons, the company says, such as his 15-year-old selection and the 14-year-old whiskey he and Bruce picked together. Jimmy selected a nine-year-old bourbon consistent with the classic Wild Turkey profile.
“I’ve made some great whiskies throughout my career, and Generations is going in my hall of fame,” says Jimmy Russell. “The experience of working with my son and grandson to create a blend that celebrates our family and tradition has been a highlight of my career.”
Generations is a tribute to one of the most iconic families in bourbon-making. Jimmy Russell originated the family tradition when he began working at Wild Turkey distillery in 1954. He soon started teaching his son Eddie, then a union worker. Eddie rose through the ranks and was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2010, joining his father, who earned the recognition in 2001. Before long, Eddie’s son, Bruce, became involved with the business, first as an ambassador and recently as a blender.
Wild Turkey fans in the U.S. will also have exclusive access to a limited online pre-sale in the coming days, by signing up for the Wild Turkey community newsletter
For more information please visit https://www.wildturkeybourbon.com/en-us/