THE BIRD JUST ADDED A LITTLE MORE SPICE:

THE BIRD JUST ADDED A LITTLE MORE SPICE:
WILD TURKEY® 81 RYE JOINS THE FAMILY
Legendary Kentucky Distiller Launches Oldest-Aged Rye Whiskey in its Category
LAWRENCEBURG, KY (February 21, 2012) — America has a thirst for the spicy kick of Rye whiskey, and Wild Turkey® bourbon has answered that call with a new, bold taste offering: Wild Turkey 81 Rye. The oldest-aged major Rye whiskey in its category, Wild Turkey 81 Rye will be available nationwide this spring.
Like the 2011 release of Wild Turkey 81 Bourbon, this whiskey was crafted by Wild Turkey’s Associate Master Distiller, Eddie Russell. A Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame™ inductee and the son of whiskey legend Jimmy Russell, Eddie had the latest cocktail tastes of both mixologists and whiskey enthusiasts in mind when coming up with Wild Turkey 81 Rye.
“Wild Turkey 81 Rye was created after talking with mixologists and whiskey lovers around the country who were in search of a Rye whiskey that wouldn’t back down to a mixer,” said Eddie Russell. “This extra-aged Rye is definitely the star of any cocktail — the flavor won’t run and hide. It stands up tall and reminds you sip after sip you are drinking real Wild Turkey whiskey.”
The smooth taste and warm smokiness of Wild Turkey 81 Rye is born from its natural aging process in American oak barrels with the deepest number 4 or “alligator” char. The final product is a kick in the pants mingling of whiskies aged 4 and 5 years — more than other major Rye whiskies in the same category.
America’s whiskey of choice at the turn of the century, Rye whiskey lost its luster following Prohibition. Today, bartenders and whiskey fanatics have rediscovered Bourbon’s spicy cousin, fueling a 27% surge in Rye whiskey sales in the US last year1. Mixologists appreciate the flavorful punch Rye whiskey gives to such classic cocktails as the Manhattan and The Old Fashioned.
“Eddie’s latest handcrafted innovation, Wild Turkey 81 Rye, is an ideal brother for Wild Turkey 81,” said Jimmy Russell. “This is unlike any other rye in the category because it’s distinctively Wild Turkey. There’s no mistaking that bold Wild Turkey flavor.”
Product Description:
Proof: 81
Aging: A mingling of 4 and 5-year old Rye whiskies naturally aged in warehouses without computer temperature controls
Super-Char: Uses char number 4 or “alligator char” on its barrels. This heavier char adds more flavor to the aging process, as the whiskey seeps deep into the hand-selected American Oak barrels.
Mash Bill: Uses the same well-known, unique mash bill as Wild Turkey and Russell’s Reserve® Rye whiskey products. A Rye whiskey must have a mash bill of at least 51% rye.
Tasting Notes:
Big spicy vanilla notes. Hints of Rye toast. Light smoky taste.