Global Bourbon brand Wild Turkey has created Generations, an expression that marks the first-ever collaboration from three generations of the iconic Russell family of whiskey makers.
This historic and extremely rare release is the first to feature the signatures of all three Russells on the custom-etched bottle, including that of newly appointed Associate Blender, Bruce Russell.
Utilising four bourbons that Jimmy, Eddie and Bruce chose for their unique characteristics, Generations commemorates the Russell family’s immeasurable impact on the art of bourbon making.
While each of the Russells has slightly different tastes and preferences, they share the highest quality standards. Capturing the heart and spirit of the Russell family, this highly-limited release has resulted in an harmonious blend of 9-, 12-, 14- and 15-year-old bourbons, bottled at barrel proof.
“With Generations, we set out to make a whiskey that was truly a celebration of family and bold spirit,” said Wild Turkey Associate Blender Bruce Russell. “My dad always says we are more than the name on the bottle – and this was my first opportunity to bring my own point of view while also applying everything I’ve learned from him and my granddad. We love this whiskey and are so proud of the story it tells.”
Bruce, like his grandfather Jimmy, prefers bold bourbon flavours, which come through in the 12-year bourbon he selected for the blend.
Eddie has a penchant for a softer, honeyed, vanilla-laden flavour that typically comes from older bourbons, such as his 15-year-old selection and the 14-year-old whiskey he and Bruce picked together.
Jimmy stayed true to his palate, as he has for decades, by selecting a nine-year-old bourbon consistent with the classic Wild Turkey profile.
“I’ve made some great whiskies throughout my career, and Generations is going in my hall of fame,” said Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell. “The experience of working with my son and grandson to create a blend that celebrates our family and tradition has been a highlight of my career.”
Jimmy Russell, the longest-tenured, active Master Distiller in the global spirits industry and an instrumental figure in shaping Kentucky bourbon as it exists today, started the family tradition when he began working at Wild Turkey distillery in 1954.
He soon began to teach his son Eddie, then a union worker, the craft. Eddie was a quick study who rose through the ranks and was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2010, joining his father who earned the prestigious recognition in 2001.
Before long, Eddie’s son, Bruce, became involved with the business, first as an ambassador and recently as a blender. As Associate Blender, Bruce spends his days tending to bourbons and ryes from the fabled Wild Turkey rickhouses, blending to achieve new flavour profiles, bringing his approach to the teachings and techniques passed down through the family.
“From the moment Jimmy, Bruce and I started talking about Generations, I knew we had something incredibly special on our hands,” said Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell. “Not only am I proud of the rich, intricate whiskey that we created, but I’m honoured to have worked alongside my son for his first release as Associate Blender. Seeing his name etched into the bottle next to ours will forever bring me back to the memories we shared when creating this rare release.”
Showcasing sweet notes of vanilla, caramel and dark cherry that give way to warm notes of pepper and aged oak, the expression has an aroma of oak and vanilla, followed by floral and spice notes with hints of baked apple, toffee and cloves. The unique combination of aromas and flavours caps off with a finish of dark fruit and baking spice, with lingering notes of sweet toffee and oak.
For more information, go to wildturkeybourbon.com
