Wild Turkey Rare Breed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Barrel-proof and beautifully composed, Wild Turkey Rare Breed is the original small-batch cask-strength bourbon—a blend of 6, 8 and 12-year whiskies bottled without dilution. At a robust 58.4% ABV (batch dependent), it marries warm oak, vanilla and caramel with signature Wild Turkey power. A thrilling pour for enthusiasts and an impressive, gift-worthy statement for any premium bar cart.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Rich aromas of honeyed oak, dark caramel and chocolate unfold with spring florals and dried fruit. The palate surges in silky waves—butterscotch, vanilla and toasted grain—framed by baking spice and a hint of citrus. Strength meets finesse as spice gathers into a long, warming finish of fruit, pepper and lingering caramel sweetness—barrel-room intensity, impeccably balanced.

Key Details

• Producer: Wild Turkey
• Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Barrel Proof)
• Region: Kentucky, USA
• ABV: 58.4% (batch dependent, cask strength)
• Volume: 700ml
• Maturation: Blend of 6, 8 & 12-year bourbons; small-batch, barrel proof
• Serve: Neat, with a splash of water, or over a large rock

Cocktail Pairings

Commanding yet polished, Rare Breed elevates spirit-forward classics. Try an Old Fashioned with orange oils to amplify caramel and oak, or a Manhattan where sweet vermouth meets warm spice. A Boulevardier is sumptuous and bittersweet; a Sazerac gains depth and silk. For citrus lift, pour a Whiskey Sour (egg white optional) or a New York Sour crowned with dry red wine.

Craftsmanship & Story

Born on Wild Turkey Hill in Lawrenceburg (1869), Wild Turkey’s tradition of bold flavour is stewarded through rigorous barrel selection and time-honoured maturation. Rare Breed pioneered the house’s barrel-proof philosophy: a curated small batch of mature barrels bottled undiluted to capture the whiskey exactly as it tastes in the rickhouse—concentrated, textural and unmistakably Wild Turkey.

Special Features

Cask strength for purity of character; no water added. The marriage of 6, 8 and 12-year bourbons layers vanilla, honeyed oak and baking spice over a plush, mouth-filling texture. Batch-to-batch nuance keeps collectors engaged, while the consistent house profile—intense yet composed—makes this an exceptional sipping bourbon and a standout luxury gift.

Recognition & Accolades

Celebrated by competitions and critics:

• Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2016
• Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2021
• Gold (94/100) – New York International Spirits Competition, 2020
• Gold (93/100) – Beverage Testing Institute, 2021
• 94/100 – Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2021

A consistent award-winner that highlights Rare Breed’s power, polish and value among barrel-proof bourbons.

Food Pairing

Match its depth with smoked brisket, sticky-glazed ribs or a pepper-crusted ribeye—the bourbon’s proof cuts through richness while caramel and oak echo the char. On a board, choose aged cheddar, smoked gouda and blue cheese with prosciutto and spiced nuts. For dessert, think crème brûlée, pecan pie or dark-chocolate truffles to mirror vanilla, nut and cocoa tones.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Iconic, powerful and elegantly rendered, Rare Breed is an inspired client gift, a triumphant celebration bottle or a purposeful upgrade to your top shelf—thrilling for aficionados, immediately rewarding for newcomers.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.