Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye: For the Bold and Adventurous

 

A common question that has been asked, is there a rye whiskey version of Wild Turkey rare breed?

 

The answer to the question is yes there is. Introduced as an extension for their Wild Turkey Rare Breed lineup. “Rare Breed Rye”, showcases Wild Turkey’s commitment to producing high-quality spirits across various categories. It is an undiluted whiskey, giving enthusiasts a chance to experience the bold and spicy characteristics of rye whiskey in its undiluted form.,

Just like their original Rare Breed, which is a barrel-proof bourbon. So is rare breed rye. It is a barrel-proof rye whiskey. What does this mean? It means that it’s bottled directly from the barrel, no added water to lower the proof. It is preserved to express its full flavor and strength.

If you’re in search of a fresh rye whiskey experience,  Rare Breed Rye should be on your list. Its distinct blend and non-chilled filtration make it a notable choice among many rye whiskeys. Whether you’re a longtime whiskey aficionado or just venturing into the realm of rye, this rich and intricate whiskey is sure to impress.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye: An Overview

This unadulterated rye whiskey has a high alcohol content. Higher than their 101-rye whiskey. The rye is bottled at the proof it reaches in the barrel. This high proof means that the whiskey has a lot of flavor and character.

It’s worth noting that the taste of whiskey can be subjective, and individual palates might detect different nuances or flavors. When tasting, factors like the glassware used, the presence of water or ice, and even the environment can influence one’s perception of the whiskey.

Appearance:

When you pour their Rare Breed Rye, it’s rich looking, It has a deep amber, almost coppery color to it.

Nose (Aroma)

Spicy rye grain is the dominant note, which is to be expected from a rye whiskey. You’ll pick up sweet scents like caramel, vanilla, apple and a hint of dark fruits such as cherries and raisins.

Palate (Taste):

When you take your first sip of  Rare Breed Rye, you’ll notice its bold and intricate profile. The initial sweetness brings to mind citrusy hints of lemon, pineapple and orange, as well as vanilla, toffee and licorice.

Then comes spicy and herbal undertones, tasting flavors like cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg. Followed by a lasting warm and spicy finish, complemented by a gentle lingering sweetness.

• Adding a little water can help tame the high alcohol content and bring out more of the flavors.

Finish:

The finish is lasting and toasty. While the rye’s spiciness persists, it’s balanced by a sustained sweetness and a subtle hint of oak. A gentle minty note gradually diminishes.

Mouthfeel:

Given its high proof, it offers a deep and robust texture on the palate. An ingrained slickness ensures that the flavors resonate for an extended period.

Overall, Character:

Rare Breed Rye is well-rounded. Even though it’s spicy like most rye whiskies, it’s also sweet and has a woody taste, so it’s not too spicy. It’s strong because it’s straight from the barrel, but it’s not just about being strong; it has a mix of different flavors. It tastes rich and has different layers to it, kind of like a layered dessert, with a spicy kick at the end.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye, Barrel Proof Factor!

 

When it comes to Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye, the barrel proof factor is a significant selling point. If you’ like whiskies that pack a punch, this is one to check out. Its “barrel proof” label means it comes straight from the barrel at 112.2 proof, 56.1% ABV, without any dilution or chill filtering. So, you’re getting a true, unfiltered taste of this rye whiskey.

What’s cool about this is that the higher proof makes all its flavors pop even more, giving you a richer taste of the rye grain and all the other yummy notes in the whiskey.

It’s a bit bolder than some other rye whiskeys out there, so it might be a tad strong for some. But if you’re into intense and layered rye flavors, you’re in for a treat. This unique “barrel proof” touch also brings out a slightly different flavor profile, highlighting the rye grain and the other ingredients even more.

Production Process for

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye

Rare Breed Wild Turkey is a blend of 4-, 6-, and8-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye. It is made using a production process that involves the following steps:

1. Mash Bill: It starts with a special mix of 51% rye, 37% corn, and 12% barley. This trio gives the whiskey its distinctive taste.
2. Fermentation: Once the mash bill has been created, it is then fermented using a proprietary strain of yeast. That will bring out the flavors and aromas of the grains, turning things rich and layered.
3. Distillation: After fermentation, the mash is distilled in traditional copper stills. Concentrating the alcohol and flavors of the whiskey, making it a more potent and flavorful spirit.
4. Aging: After the whiskey is distilled, it’s matured in American White Oak barrels with a No. 4 “alligator” char. These barrels are chosen specifically because they also give the whiskey its distinct flavors and scents.
5. Blending: After aging, the whiskey is then blended together in small batches to create the final product. This blending process helps to ensure that each bottle of Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye has a consistent flavor and aroma profile.
6. Bottling: Finally, the whiskey is bottled without any dilution to give it a higher alcohol content and a more intense flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye

You can enhance the Wild Turkey’s drinking experience by pairing with a variety of foods, because Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye is a versatile whiskey:

Charcuterie Board

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye is a fantastic match for a charcuterie board filled with cured meats, cheeses, and pickled veggies. The rye’s spiciness beautifully enhances the strong tastes of the meats and cheeses, and the sweet tang of the pickled vegetables offers a delightful counter to the whiskey’s warmth.

Barbecue

The strong tastes of barbecue dishes, be it ribs, brisket, or pulled pork, go hand in hand with the hearty flavors of Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye. The rye’s spicy undertones perfectly match the barbecue’s smoky essence, creating a mouthwatering combo.

Chocolate

For a delightful, sweet touch, consider teaming up rare breed rye with some dark chocolate. The chocolate’s sugary essence contrasts nicely with the rye’s spiciness, and its deep richness harmonizes with the whiskey’s bold character..

Spicy Foods

If spicy dishes tickle your palate, consider coupling  Rare Breed Rye with your go-to fiery meal. The rye’s spicy undertones match the dish’s heat, creating a beautifully synced flavor duo.

Desserts

Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a delightful match for desserts boasting caramel or vanilla undertones. The dessert’s sweetness finds its counter in the rye’s spiciness, and its rich depth enhances the whiskey’s bold character.

 Availability

While it’s not as common as some other Wild Turkey products, it’s part of their regular lineup. Wild Turkey Rye is widely available and can be found at most liquor stores and online retailers that carry the Wild Turkey brand.

Price

To get the most accurate and current price, I’d recommend checking with local liquor stores, their online platforms, or larger online alcohol retailers that deliver in your area.

Flaviar– Online  Retailer

A 750ml bottle of their Rare Breed Rye might typically range from $40 to $60, but this is a general estimate. Prices can change over time.

Caskers- Online Retailer

Conclusion

Wild Turkey Rare Breed brings a fresh and tasty twist to the Wild Turkey range. Its unique flavor comes from a special mash bill mix giving it an edge in the rye whiskey market.

Though it doesn’t advertise its age (known as NAS or no age statement), it’s matured for at least 4 years, ensuring a deep and flavorful profile.

For those rye enthusiasts seeking a novel sip,  rare breed rye is a top pick. Its bold taste, special grain blend, and straight-from-the-barrel strength make it truly distinctive.

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Mixology

Wild Turkey Rare Breed barrel proof rye is a fantastic addition to the world of rye whiskey. It’s a smooth, flavorful whiskey that’s perfect for sipping neat or mixing into your favorite cocktail.

If you’re interested in using Rare Breed Wild Turkey Rye in cocktails, experimenting with different cocktail recipes can be a fun way to enjoy the unique flavors of Rare Breed Rye.

Here are 10 cocktail recipes that features Rare Breed Rye along with instructions on how to make them:

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye

          Classic Manhattan:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz  Rare Breed Rye
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Glassware:

• Served in a Martini Glass

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

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Sazerac:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
• Absinthe or Herbsaint rinse
• Lemon peel for garnish

Glassware:

• Served in a Rocks Glass or Lowball Glass.

Instructions:

1. Rinse a chilled glass with absinthe or Herbsaint and discard the excess.
2. In a separate glass, muddle the sugar cube with bitters and a few drops of water.
3. Add ice and Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye.
4. Stir until well-chilled.
5. Strain into the rinsed glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon peel.

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Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye

            Old Fashioned:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel and cherry for garnish

Glassware:

• Served in a Rocks Glass or Lowball Glass.

Instructions:

1. Muddle the sugar cube and bitters in a rocks glass.
2. Add a few ice cubes and Rare Breed Rye.
3. Stir gently.
4. Garnish with an orange peel and a cherry.

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Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye

            Whiskey Sour:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Rare Breed Rye
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Lemon wheel or cherry for garnish

Glassware:

• Served in a Rocks Glass or Lowball Glass.

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake well.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry.

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Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye

                     Smash:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz  Rare Breed Rye
• 3-4 fresh mint leaves
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• Lemon wheel and mint sprig for garnish

Glassware:

• Served in a Rocks Glass or Lowball Glass.

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle mint leaves and simple syrup.
2. Add Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye and lemon juice.
3. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a mint sprig.

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Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye 

             Ginger Highball:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Rare Breed Rye
• 4 oz ginger beer
• Lime wedge for garnish

Glassware:

• Served in a Highball Glass.

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

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Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye 

                 Boulevardier:

Ingredients:

• 5 oz Rare Breed Rye
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange twist for garnish

Glassware:

• Served in a Rocks Glass or Coupe Glass.

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled rocks glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.

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Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye

    Smash with Blackberries:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz  Rare Breed Rye
• 5-6 fresh blackberries
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• Blackberry and mint sprig for garnish

Glassware:

• Collins Glass or Highball Glass.

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle blackberries and simple syrup.
2. Add Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye and lemon juice.
3. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with a blackberry and a mint sprig.

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Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye

                     Martini:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Rare Breed Rye
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• Lemon twist or olive for garnish

Glassware:

• Served in a Martini Glass.

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye and dry vermouth.
3. Stir until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.

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Wild Turkey Rare Breed

                   Rye Buck:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz  Rare Breed Rye
• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz ginger ale
• Lime wedge for garnish

Glassware:

• Served in a Rocks Glass or Lowball Glass.

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye and fresh lime juice.
3. Top with ginger ale and stir.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

These cocktail recipes showcase the versatility of Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye, allowing you to enjoy its rich and robust flavors in a variety of ways. Remember to drink responsibly, especially when enjoying cocktails with higher-proof spirits like Rare Breed Rye.

Stirring A Well-Chilled Drink

Knowing when you have stirred a well-chilled cocktail is a matter of experience and observation, but there are some cues to look for to ensure that your cocktail is properly chilled and diluted. Stirring a cocktail is typically done to combine and chill the ingredients without over-diluting or agitating them. Here’s how you can tell when you’ve stirred a cocktail well:

Temperature Drop:

One of the primary goals of stirring is to lower the temperature of the cocktail. The metal or glass mixing vessel should become noticeably cold to the touch after about 20-30 seconds of stirring. This is an indicator that the ingredients inside are also cooling down.

Dilution Level:

Pay attention to the level of dilution. Stirring should incorporate some water from the ice, which can help mellow and harmonize the flavors. You can assess dilution by tasting your cocktail periodically during the stirring process. As the ice melts and dilutes the mixture, the cocktail’s intensity and sharpness should mellow.

Visual Clarity:

Stirring also contributes to the cocktail’s visual clarity. As the cocktail chills and the ingredients mix, it should become clear and free of visible floating ice shards or cloudiness. The cocktail should appear smooth and well-integrated.

Consistency in Taste:

The taste of the cocktail should become balanced and cohesive. Any harsh or overpowering flavors should mellow out, and the different ingredients should harmonize. When you’re satisfied with the taste and balance, it’s a sign that the cocktail is ready.

Time:

While there’s no strict rule for how long to stir a cocktail, a typical guideline is to stir for about 20-30 seconds. However, this can vary depending on factors like the size of the ice, the cocktail’s ingredients, and personal preference. It’s a good idea to taste the cocktail as you go and adjust the stirring time accordingly.

Feel and Sound:

As you stir, you’ll notice the resistance of the ice against the stirring implement. Initially, the resistance is higher, but it should gradually become smoother and more fluid. Additionally, the sound of stirring will change from a clinking or churning sound to a quieter, swishing sound.

Remember that the goal of stirring is to chill and dilute the cocktail while maintaining its clarity and integrity. Over-stirring can lead to excessive dilution, which may result in a weaker and less flavorful cocktail. It’s a skill that you can refine with practice, and tasting your cocktail throughout the process is key to achieving the desired result.