Jimmy Russell celebrates 70 years at Wild Turkey
To commemorate Jimmy Russell’s 70 year tenure at Wild Turkey, the Campari-owned brand is releasing a limited edition Bourbon bottled at 50.5% ABV.
Wild Turkey master distiller Jimmy Russell celebrated his 70th anniversary with the company on 10 September 2024, having got his start sweeping floors at 18-years-old in 1954. He has gone on to shape the industry, and is known today as the 'Buddha of Bourbon'. “In my eyes, I’ve never worked a day in my life. The day I do, I’ll retire,” said Russell. “Until then, I’m going to continue making the Bourbon I love.” In honour of Russell’s milestone, Wild Turkey is releasing Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary 8 Year Old Bourbon, which features his signature 8-year-old 50.5% Bourbon along with an additional blend of 8-year-old whiskeys selected from a few of his favourite rickhouses. “We chose a special blend of choice whiskeys from a few of his favourite rickhouses, and at 101 proof, it’s meant to be just what he loves most about Bourbon,” associate blender and Jimmy’s grandson Bruce Russell said. “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.” The straight Bourbon is priced at US$50. On the nose, it shows oak, honey, cinnamon and tobacco, while the palate is marked by sweet cream, butterscotch, black tea, and dark cherry. It will be available globally starting this autumn. Russell remained committed to making Bourbon his way throughout the 70s and 80s, when drinkers favoured lighter spirits. He embraced the pre-prohibition style he learned from his mentor and predecessor Bill Hughes, helping to propel the industry forward with whiskeys that are now considered classics, like Wild Turkey 101, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, and Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit. In 2000, Jimmy was enlisted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, and he has been anointed a Kentucky colonel by three standing Commonwealth of Kentucky governors, honoured with a Resolution by the Kentucky State Assembly and the governor, and received the key to Lawrenceburg. Beyond the commemorative release, Wild Turkey has honoured Jimmy by commissioning a portrait from renowned photographer Danny Clinch, which was captured in Kentucky. “I typically shoot with entertainers – rock stars and world class athletes – so the opportunity to work with a different kind of rock star, in an industry that has so much history and heritage, was a unique and incredible honour,” Clinch said. Fans can learn more about Jimmy’s legacy and history at the newly renovated Jimmy Russell Wild Turkey Experience in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, which reopened in spring 2024.
