I am going to let you know right now, that neither of these bourbons have ever made it past the first round. In fact, I’d made pretty disparaging remarks about both of these during their prior appearances. I really did not like Rebel Yell in 2014. In fact, Old Crow Reserve (remember that one?) beat it. In the intervening years, the bourbon has gotten better, but I’ve also grown more tolerant of heated bourbons. And in 2016, I described Wild Turkey as “gentle” which isn’t something that I’d have historically thought to use for anything from the brand.
Of course, one of these has to win tonight. So no matter who wins, it’ll be their first. And when the entire contest is blind from start to finish, and you have no preconceived notions about what is in the glass other than “this is one of eight bourbons,” well, then all bets are off. So let’s watch history being made.
Our first whiskey is our number two seed for Division Two. Coming in at 81 proof and looking to see if its rye grains can run over the wheated competition, please welcome: Wild Turkey!
And their opponent is the only wheated bourbon in the competition. Please welcome Rebel Yell!
Reminder, all of the competitions this year were tasted blind and we knew what juice won the competition prior to the reveal of what any of the names were. Notes, thoughts, and conclusions were all from before we knew what was what. Needless to say, some of my conclusions were surprising to me. Tasting notes may be a little unusual since they were being tasted at the same time and could have influenced the perceptions of one another.
Whiskey 1 (Wild Turkey)
Purchase Info: $18.49 for a 1-liter bottle, Total Wine, Burnsville, MN
Price Per Drink (50 mL): $0.93
Details: 40.5% ABV.
Nose: Mint leaves, hints of cinnamon, caramel, and almond.
Mouth: Thin mouthfeel. Notes of cinnamon, caramel, and citrus zest.
Finish: Short and gentle with notes of cinnamon and caramel.
Thoughts: Not bad. The citrus zest was an interesting "twist" I hadn't expected.
Whiskey 2 (Rebel Yell)
Purchase Info: $14.99 for a 750 mL bottle, MGM Wine & Spirits, Burnsville, MN
Price Per Drink (50 mL): $1.00
Details: 40% ABV.
Nose: Herbal and grassy like a mint chamomile tea blend.
Mouth: Follows the nose with the addition of a cinnamon note.
Finish: Short and uncomplicated. Notes of caramel, cinnamon, dried grains, and an old stick you found in the yard.
Thoughts: Not much going on in this one. It's fine for what it is, but it isn't much.
Winner: This is a pretty easy decision. I like everything going on with #2, I just need it to be more concentrated. It was just a bit too delicate for me. #1 also isn't a great whiskey but is enough to hold my interest. #1 wins, though I'm not sure either would advance against stronger competition.
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