The world of Kentucky bourbon, Wild Turkey style, has long been dictated in a certain way by legendary master distillers and father and son distilling duo Jimmy and Eddie Russell. In more recent times the overseers of this brand, Campari, saw fit to bring in the services of actor Matthew McConaughey in a creative director type capacity. Now, in a further tying together of McConaughey and the Russells, a new bourbon is emerging that is a bit Texan in its creation.
Wild Turkey Longbranch, according to those behind it, is inspired by McConaughey’s Kentucky and Texas roots (his parents met at the University of Kentucky, some 15 miles from the Wild Turkey Distillery, while Eddie Russell’s youngest son, Bruce, now lives in McConaughey’s hometown of Austin, Texas.) It is said that after the actor and Russell spent time sharing tasting notes, a new proprietary process was created at the distillery which combines two separate charcoal filtration methods – one made from American White Oak and the second using charcoal made from Texas Mesquite wood – to give this eight year old bourbon a special extra complex flavor.
“Longbranch, in its simplest form, is an extended hand, inviting a friend into your family,” said McConaughey in a prepared statement. “So the branch that was extended to me from the Russells was a long one, one that reached from Kentucky to Texas and back again. I offered the Mesquite from my great state to add to their legendary Kentucky whiskey and together we made Longbranch.”
This launch is said to mark the first time Wild Turkey has unveiled a product that bears a signature of someone other than just the Russells. You’ll find official tasting notes for it below. Plans call for Longbranch to go on sale in May for around $40.
A bright gold color and aroma that is a balanced blend of vanilla and spices. Flavors of caramel, pear, and hints of citrus round out the palate. The subtle, smoky finish is buttery smooth, with notes of gentle pepper and toasted oak.
Latest On The Whiskey Wash
Latest News