Wild Turkey Distilling Co., is joining master distiller, Jimmy Russell, in celebrating his 70th anniversary with the distillery. Russell started out in the distillery on September 10, 1954, and over the following years, his dedication to making bourbon the pre-Prohibition way has helped drive the success that the bourbon industry still experiences today. The team at Wild Turkey is offering him its thanks by releasing Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon, crafted with Russell’s personal preference in mind.
Russell began at the distillery at the age of 18. He started out sweeping the floors and eventually worked his way up to the rank of master distiller. In the 1970s and 80s when the bourbon industry was close to collapse, Russell refused to dilute his bourbon despite the consumer demand for lighter spirits. In embracing the pre-Prohibition style, his approach helped propel the popularity of many of the distillery's classic bourbons.
Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon features Jimmy's signature 8-year-old, 101-proof bourbon, along with an additional blend of 8-to-9-year-old whiskeys that were hand-selected from a few of his favorite rickhouses.
Bruce Russell, Wild Turkey associate blender and grandson of Jimmy Russell, commented: “While it's hard to put Jimmy's impact on the bourbon industry into words, I can't think of a more fitting way to mark this milestone than with Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon. We chose a special blend of choice whiskies from a few of his favorite rickhouses, and at 101 proof, it's meant to be just what he loves most about bourbon. We can't wait for fans around the world to enjoy it, and in the words of Grandad himself – if you don't like it, he'll drink it."
Jimmy Russell himself added: “In my eyes, I've never worked a day in my life. The day I do, I'll retire. Until then, I'm going to continue making the bourbon I love.”
Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon (RRP $50) will be available on shelves in select global markets starting fall 2024.
Fans can learn more about Jimmy's legacy and history at the newly renovated Jimmy Russell Wild Turkey Experience in picturesque Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. For more information visit Wild Turkey’s official website.
