Wild Turkey Forgiven A Bourbon/Rye Mistake?

Wild Turkey doesn’t normally do it for me when it comes to whiskey. What did grab my attention recently though from the bourbon news wires is word of the limited edition Forgiven offering, said to be a unique blend of bourbon and rye created by mistake.

Now whether or not you buy the “mistake” story, it is still an interesting tale. The Wild Turkey distillers reportedly “unwittingly” mingled very rare, high proof rye with aged bourbon. They, of course, had to try it to see the result and Wild Turkey Associate Master Distiller Eddie Russell, according to the distillery, “quickly realized that he had an exceptional whiskey more than worthy of bringing to market.”

What’s resulted out of this is a blended whiskey made from 78 percent, six-year-old bourbon and 22 percent, four-year-old rye which prices for around $50 a bottle. Born from a natural aging process using American oak barrels with the deepest number 4 or “alligator” char, it is said to open smooth and finish strong, with tasting notes of creamy vanilla and oak, and a peppery, cinnamon finish. It can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, and should likely appeal to both bourbon and rye fans.