Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 5 hours ago
In this video, you'll learn all about the history of Wild Turkey, the famed whiskey bourbon distillery from the USA. You'll also listen in on a Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary 8 year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey tasting and review experience.
This event was hosted in Sydney, Australia.
Wild Turkey Bourbon has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, rooted in Kentucky’s deep whiskey-making traditions. The story begins in 1855, when Austin Nichols, a wholesale grocer, started selling wine and spirits. The bourbon itself was originally produced by the Ripy family, who built the Old Hickory Distillery in 1891 near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
After Prohibition, the Ripys resumed production, supplying bourbon to wholesalers, including Austin Nichols. The Wild Turkey name emerged in 1940, when an Austin Nichols executive, Thomas McCarthy, brought warehouse samples on a wild turkey hunting trip. His friends loved it so much that they kept asking for “that Wild Turkey bourbon,” leading to the brand’s official bottling in 1942.
For decades, Austin Nichols operated as a non-distiller producer, sourcing bourbon from various distilleries, primarily the Ripys’. In 1971, Austin Nichols purchased the distillery, renaming it Wild Turkey Distillery. The brand changed hands multiple times, with Pernod Ricard acquiring it in 1980, followed by Campari Group in 2009.
Wild Turkey has endured challenges, including a 2000 warehouse fire that destroyed 17,000 barrels of whiskey, causing environmental damage to the Kentucky River. Despite setbacks, the brand thrived, expanding its portfolio with Wild Turkey 101, Rare Breed, Russell’s Reserve, and Master’s Keep.
Today, Wild Turkey remains a Kentucky bourbon icon, crafted under the guidance of Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who uphold its legacy of bold, high-proof whiskey.
#wildturkey #bourbon #alcohol #history #historyfacts
In this video, you'll learn all about the history of Wild Turkey, the famed whiskey bourbon distillery from the USA. You'll also listen in on a Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary 8 year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey tasting and review experience.
This event was hosted in Sydney, Australia.
Wild Turkey Bourbon has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, rooted in Kentucky’s deep whiskey-making traditions. The story begins in 1855, when Austin Nichols, a wholesale grocer, started selling wine and spirits. The bourbon itself was originally produced by the Ripy family, who built the Old Hickory Distillery in 1891 near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
After Prohibition, the Ripys resumed production, supplying bourbon to wholesalers, including Austin Nichols. The Wild Turkey name emerged in 1940, when an Austin Nichols executive, Thomas McCarthy, brought warehouse samples on a wild turkey hunting trip. His friends loved it so much that they kept asking for “that Wild Turkey bourbon,” leading to the brand’s official bottling in 1942.
For decades, Austin Nichols operated as a non-distiller producer, sourcing bourbon from various distilleries, primarily the Ripys’. In 1971, Austin Nichols purchased the distillery, renaming it Wild Turkey Distillery. The brand changed hands multiple times, with Pernod Ricard acquiring it in 1980, followed by Campari Group in 2009.
Wild Turkey has endured challenges, including a 2000 warehouse fire that destroyed 17,000 barrels of whiskey, causing environmental damage to the Kentucky River. Despite setbacks, the brand thrived, expanding its portfolio with Wild Turkey 101, Rare Breed, Russell’s Reserve, and Master’s Keep.
Today, Wild Turkey remains a Kentucky bourbon icon, crafted under the guidance of Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who uphold its legacy of bold, high-proof whiskey.
#wildturkey #bourbon #alcohol #history #historyfacts
