We sit down with brand ambassador Matthew Gandolfo for a behind-the-scenes look at what’s next for Wild Turkey.
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Yes, Jim Beam was my introduction to the bourbon biz and it was a great first stop. I learned so much during my time with Beam and I wouldn’t have my dream job today without that experience. To be honest, hearing Fred Noe speak so highly of Jimmy and Eddie Russell was what first got me interested in Wild Turkey. The two distilleries have a great deal of mutual respect that stems from Jimmy and Booker Noe’s friendship as they were revolutionizing the industry together. Being onsite at Clermont daily really created an environment for me to be able to learn the details of the production process. I carry that distillery experience with me every day in my role with Wild Turkey. It’s what separates me from other ambassadors in our industry; I’ve been in the thick of it.
TWW: You’re doing a lot of front-lines education now. What’s one thing people always seem to get wrong about Wild Turkey or about bourbon in general?
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You have to remember that when Wild Turkey 101 first hit the scene it was surrounded by a sea of younger, 80 proof bourbon. Back in the day if you were drinking Turkey it was basically the most robust stuff in the category. Well now fast-forward to the modern day bourbon drinker, they don’t flinch at a 100+ proof point yet Wild Turkey still carries that status of being the strongest drink on the market. I think that reputation is seen as a positive to a lot of traditionalists, but may make a new bourbon drinker hesitant initially.
TWW: Where are some of the coolest places you’ve gone so far as Wild Turkey’s Bourbon Ambassador?
In 2015 I was on the road for 31 weeks, so it’s tough to narrow it down to my favorites. I was able to attend my first Tales of the Cocktail down in New Orleans, which is a dream for anyone who has a passion for spirits. I have also represented Wild Turkey at a number of music festivals like Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits, which are both awesome experiences. But my all-time favorite stop might have to be the Bacon and Bourbon festival in Brooklyn, how can you go wrong with that combination?
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TWW: Everyone in bourbon country is growing and expanding. What’s next for Wild Turkey?
TWW: What’s your favorite bourbon?
When I’m at home sipping on something I almost always reach for Rare Breed. Such a complex drink with it being a mixture of 6, 8, and 12 year old barrels you get so much flavor. In my mind it’s the best barrel proof bourbon on the market.
