Hypebeast Visits: The Kentucky Distillery Home to Three Generations of Bourbon Crafters

Wild Turkey’s distillery proudly showcases its bourbon-making tradition. The 134,000-square-foot facility includes everything needed to make whiskey – fermentation tanks, cookers, and aging warehouses – plus a visitor center and museum for the many whiskey lovers who come to tour it each year.

Wild Turkey distillery isn’t just famous in the whiskey world – it’s a Kentucky landmark too. For over 75 years, it’s been located in Lawrenceburg, right on the Kentucky River. The area’s passion for whiskey is evident in how everything is made, but it’s the local climate that truly sets Wild Turkey apart. This climate gives the whiskey a special flavor as it ages, and it’s something you can’t replicate anywhere else.

To celebrate the launch of Wild Turkey’s Gold Foil Edition – the first in a new series called Austin Nichols Archives – TopMob visited the distillery with Bruce Russell, a third-generation Master Blender. Russell, who spent his childhood learning from two legendary figures in the bourbon world with over a century of combined experience, explains how this upbringing shaped his expertise and inspired the unique blend in this new release, a tribute to the finest Wild Turkey has to offer.

The tour begins in the main part of the distillery, where rye, corn, and barley are carefully fermented and brewed. While much of the process is now automated, Russell explains how the whiskey gains its unique character in the different aging warehouses – some dramatically located on a cliff, others further inland.

Russell chose the Camp Nelson location for the Gold Foil Edition because its dramatic temperature swings and strong breezes helped recreate the distinctive “quality, flavor, and intensity” of the original Cheesy Gold Foil, first launched in 1985. He notes that barrels age uniquely based on their position within the warehouse, and through creating the Archives Series, he was able to pinpoint where the best whiskey comes from – guided by customer feedback.

Russell visits the Station Master’s house, which is pictured on the Gold Foil Edition packaging. This historic building holds many memories of his grandfather, Jimmy Russell, who spent 72 years as Wild Turkey’s Master Distiller. Russell explains, “It’s about paying tribute to my grandfather and his lifelong dedication to the distilling industry.”

You can explore the Wild Turkey distillery with the complete Visits episode linked above. Plus, the limited-edition Wild Turkey Gold Foil Edition is now available to purchase online for $400.

DISCLAIMER: We discourage irresponsible and/or underage drinking. Drink responsibly and legally.

Read More