Wild Turkey Longbranch Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey 70 cl, 43% ABV - Small Batch Sipping Bourbon

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The standard Wild Turkey bourbon reportedly starts as a dry mix of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. From there, the mash is fermented and distilled. Longbranch is an excellent gateway to greater things in the world of bourbon. Hopefully, this step is just one of the first taken by the industry in the journey toward more collaboration and creativity. The bourbon market needs more collaborations like the one between Russell and McConaughey to stir up and move purists. Longbranch, the bourbon brand co-created by actor Matthew McConaughey and Wild Turkey, on Tuesday announced the second chapter in the brand’s “Wonder What If” advertising campaign, conceptualized by and starring McConaughey.

With the involvement of Matthew McConaughey, Wild Turkey has shown that it will do what it takes to ensure that it’s a relevant bourbon for years to come. Wild Turkey was founded in 1855. In 2016, McConaughey (a bourbon lover) was a clear addition to the team. Since his time on board, the company’s global portfolio grew 14.6%, and he helped launch a special signature bourbon. Matthew McConaughey’s Whiskey Origin StoryYou’ll notice an undeniably traditional Wild Turkey nose when you open a bottle of Longbranch. Aromas of nutty caramel, hefty vanilla, a hint of cherries, orange peel, and just a touch of charred oak. Palate Palate: Medium body. Dry, despite the sweet aroma notes. Tons of oak, heavy root notes (root beer, sassafras, etc.), and balanced charcoal. I might taste mesquite, or it could be marketing. Either way, this is a tasty slightly-sweet bourbon with just barely enough tongue burn to feel legitimate.

But until recently, no one knew the master distillers, says Eddie Russell. “I remember just going to liquor stores and signing bottles and trying to tell our story. And that’s the way it went for several years.” The honest truth is that it’s difficult to find a reason why anyone wouldn’t want to own a bottle of Longbranch bourbon. It’s smooth, delicious, and offers just the right blends to make this an appealing drink to novice users who are just getting started in the world of bourbon. As of late, he has been hunkered down, crafting awarding-winning, innovative and ultra-rare whiskies that have spirits aficionados and bartenders around the world buzzing. This year, Eddie and his legendary, beloved father Master Distiller Jimmy Russell celebrate 101 years of combined experience at the Wild Turkey distillery – a touching homage to the Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon that launched Jimmy’s career more than 60 years ago. OVERALL: I've been eagerly awaiting what the partnership between Wild Turkey and Matthew McConaughey would bear regarding a new bourbon release. But before I give you my final thoughts, it's important to stress that Longbranch is not for the long-term diehard whiskey drinker who appreciates bottle proofs at or above 100. You have to understand and accept that before you try it for yourself. Longbranch is for people new to the world of bourbon. A low bottle proof and classic Wild Turkey DNA make it the perfect gateway expression to pull people into the Wild Turkey family of whiskeys. Matthew McConaughey's involvement to the product makes it more attractive to a broader consumer base - which is why he became Wild Turkey's Creative Director a few years ago. While some have bristled at Wild Turkey's alignment with a celebrity like McConaughey, I believe it was a smart move. One that allows the brand to reach new consumers and ensure they remain a relevant brand among today's new bourbon drinkers. If done correctly - and all signs point to it is being done correctly - it will help make sure that all of us will have access to our favorite Wild Turkey expressions for a long, long time. As for the whiskey itself, it's a solid Wild Turkey product. Based on my personal preferences I find the lower proof makes the nose a bit faint and the taste watered down. But if I put aside my preferences, and try to experience as someone new to bourbon would do, I can see the appeal. There's extra sweetness on the front palate, and the additional charcoal filtering has toned down the Wild Turkey spice making it smoother and thereby, more approachable for those not used to more aggressive juice. Longbranch is going to be in my starting rotation for new bourbon drinkers, and I look forward to hearing their thoughts as they try it compared to other lower proof bourbons. Matthew McConaughey's goal was to create his favorite bourbon. Longbranch is the result of those efforts. Based on the expression's proof, price point, and quality - not to mention affiliation with McConaughey, I think it's likely to become a favorite for lots of people. To all of those folks, I welcome you to the world of bourbon. I hope you stay for a while and help us continue to spread the bourbon gospel. Cheers!

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To create Longbranch’s signature flavor, McConaughey and Russell spent countless hours sharing notes, then, after two years of testing, perfected a proprietary process that combines two separate charcoal filtration methods to give Longbranch a smooth and full finish. The first of the filtration process uses charcoal made from American White Oak and the second uses charcoal made from Texas Mesquite wood, giving the bourbon notes of smoky sweetness.

The sweet caramel and zesty orange flavors combine to make a delicious combination that’s almost like Orangina (if it were alcoholic). It’s off-balance on the sweeter and zestier side of the equation, but it’s still a good flavor and experience in my opinion. In as much as I can gather a sense or impression of Matthew McConaughey as a person – based on interviews, speeches, philanthropic activities and other off-screen impressions – the sentiment of Longbranch seems well-aligned with his persona, further evidenced in a company-issued press release. Longbranch consists of an eight-year-old bourbon from Wild Turkey. Its mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. It is distilled through the process of two charcoal filtration processes. We live in a time when people are starting to drink whiskey, and by doing so are considered novice drinkers. As a result, Wild Turkey is doing its part by creating a bourbon that is targeted directly at this demographic. Wild Turkey says that the brand was named when the president of the current brand, Austin Nicholls, went turkey hunting with some friends. He took with him an 8-year old bourbon which boasted 101 proof.A touch of spice leftover from the palate is accompanied by a nutty caramel flavor. Charred oaks and earthy ryes leave you with an aftertaste of barrel char and rye. Method: Build all ingredients (except soda) over ice into a highball glass, stir vigorously to mix, add soda water, then stir gently. Garnish with lemon wheel and rosemary twig, burnt. More Information Matthew McConaughey has been ingrained in the Wild Turkey brand as creative director for several years now,” said Bob Kunze-Concewitz, CEO at Campari Group, owner of Wild Turkey. “As a lover of Bourbon, and an integral part of the team, it was a natural next step for Matthew to partner with Eddie to create a new product for Wild Turkey. We are proud of the work they’ve done and have great expectations for this amazing new whiskey.” The biggest change in the bourbon category over the past few years has been the “appetite for knowledge,” according to Combs. Creating something different and delicious might be just what your brand needs to give you the edge when it comes to your share of the market. When it comes to innovation in its industry, Wild Turkey ranks among the top performers.