Wild Turkey 101: The #1 Bourbon Under $50 🦃🥃

The Final Chapter in Our Top 5 Bourbon Countdown

We made it. After weeks of breaking down the best bourbons you can grab for under $50, we’ve reached the top. And the king of the hill? Wild Turkey 101.

For those of you following along, you know we’ve covered some serious contenders. But Wild Turkey 101 takes the crown because it delivers big, bold flavor, a legendary heritage, and an unbeatable price.

If you haven’t stocked your bar with a bottle yet, now’s the time.

👉 You can find Wild Turkey 101 at Craft Spirit Shop, currently at a 14% discount. 

And don’t worry—we’ll be reviewing the full Top 5 list later this week, just in case you missed a pick or two.

Why Wild Turkey 101 Is a Must-Have

Wild Turkey has been unfairly underestimated for years. Some folks think it’s just a “cheap” bourbon, or that it’s too rough around the edges. Let’s put those myths to bed.

💥 Myth #1: Wild Turkey is a bottom-shelf bourbon.
Reality: Nope. It’s aged 6-8 years (longer than most budget bourbons) in deep-charred barrels, giving it a richer flavor.

💥 Myth #2: 101 proof means it’s too harsh.
Reality: Sure, it’s got some fire, but that’s what makes it such a rewarding sip. Caramel, vanilla, spice, and oak—it’s balanced heat.

💥 Myth #3: It’s just for mixing.
Reality: Wild Turkey 101 makes killer cocktails, but it stands tall on its own, neat or with a splash of water.

This bourbon belongs in every collection, no matter your level of experience.

Distiller’s Diary: My First Encounter with Wild Turkey 12-Year 101

Some people discover Wild Turkey at a dive bar. Others through a friend’s recommendation. I had my moment with a forgotten legend.

It happened during a trip to the Wild Turkey distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. I had just wrapped up a tour when Eddie Russell, the master distiller himself, pulled a bottle from behind the counter.

Wild Turkey 12-Year 101 Proof.

“This,” Eddie said, pouring me a glass, “is what Wild Turkey used to be.”

One sip in, I knew this was special. The deep caramel, the seasoned oak, the warm spice—it was everything a well-aged bourbon should be.

Now, finding that bottle is like hunting for buried treasure. But Wild Turkey 101? It still carries that DNA, that heritage, that bold Kentucky spirit.

Flavor Pairing Picks 🍖🍮🚬

Because of its high proof and rich profile, Wild Turkey 101 pairs beautifully with:

🥩 Smoked Brisket – The bourbon’s charred oak notes and caramel sweetness balance out smoky, fatty cuts of beef.

🍮 Salted Caramel Bread Pudding – Sweet, salty, and indulgent—the dessert mirrors the bourbon’s deep vanilla and toffee flavors.

🚬 Aged Nicaraguan Cigar (Like a Padron 1926 Maduro) – The bourbon’s spice and caramel blend perfectly with a rich, full-bodied cigar.

Pro tip: The stronger the food or cigar, the better it pairs with a bold bourbon like Wild Turkey 101.

The Art of Mixing: The Stone Fence 🍏

Let’s shake things up. If you love a bourbon cocktail that’s bold, refreshing, and historic, the Stone Fence is your drink.

This cocktail dates back to the American Revolution, when soldiers mixed rum (or whatever booze they had) with cider before battle. Today, bourbon makes it even better.

Stone Fence Recipe

🍏 2 oz Wild Turkey 101
🍏 4 oz fresh apple cider (the cloudy kind, not the clear supermarket stuff)
🍏 2 dashes Angostura bitters
🍏 A squeeze of lemon (optional, but adds brightness)

👉 Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the bourbon, top with cider, and stir gently. Add bitters and a lemon squeeze if using.

Why it works: The cider’s natural sweetness and tartness mellow the bourbon’s heat, while the bitters add depth.

Perfect for fall, but honestly? It’s a year-round winner.

Final Word: Wild Turkey 101 Is the Best Bourbon Under $50

Wild Turkey 101 isn’t just a great budget bourbon—it’s a great bourbon, period.

✔ Aged longer than most competitors in its price range
✔ Bold, complex, and full of character
✔ Versatile enough for neat sipping or cocktails

If you’re serious about bourbon, this bottle needs a spot on your shelf.

And if you want to snag a rare bottle of Wild Turkey 12-Year 101, grab it here while it’s still 20% off. Only 4 bottles left as of this morning.

P.S. – Join The Bourbon Society 🥃

Want exclusive bourbon content, discounts, and a quarterly print edition? Join The Bourbon Society Reserve or The Bourbon Society Select and get access to premium perks.

Check it out here: Bourbon Society Membership.

Until next time—keep your glass full and your bourbon budget smart.

Cheers,
🦃 Ethan "Neat" Whitmore

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