Is Wild Turkey 101 Getting WORSE? | Discontinued vs. New Wild Turkey 101 BLIND REVIEW & REACTIONS

[@CPGumby]

Never had (and can't find) the "old" WT101, but I don't feel any FOMO for that. "New" WT101 is one of best (if not THE BEST) values in bourbon - great quality & flavor at a mid-range proof, and you can find it anywhere at a great price and it has stayed that way FOREVER. I drink it straight, on the rocks, and use it in cocktails, and always have a bottle open with another ready to go. "Gobble 'til you wobble!" LOL 🤣🦃

[@motohead077]

Yup, got a bunch of the 'dirty bird' 1.75L for $29.99 + tax this yr. That's just a cpl $$ more than EW BiB. Like you said, likely the best value ever & it's been that way probably for the longest continuous time. That's why some people call it the GOAT of whiskey.

[@xiamengbaby]

To be fair, I have had $40-$60 whiskey that was, in my opinion, inferior to $23 Wild Turkey 101.

[@jaradwhite9352]

Same

[@stuffandwhiskey]

No lies detected. Wild Turkey for the win!

[@tomhalstead8935]

One of your better ones - especially the outtakes. I’m relatively new to this whole bourbon thing, and the only WT101 I’ve had is the new, but I find that I really like it. It’s not just good for the price, it’s just plain good.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Amen to that, and thanks for the kind words. We’ve since got another new bottling of WT101 that differs from both of these (it’s basically cherry pie in a bottle) and we like it as much as this old paper label (for different reasons). Cheers and thanks for watching Tom!

[@jmorihlatko]

I literally drink it everyday. It is better than a lot of products people search all over creation for.

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

When I was just starting with whiskey I bought some Wild Turkey 101, and while it was okay as bourbon and branch, otherwise I didn't particularly care for it. This year (18 months later?) I tried it again, and it's now on my list of "standards" - whiskies I might not always have on hand, but will definitely buy now and again. Whether the difference was flavor drift, or batch variance, or - as I believe - a better trained palate, I now definitely like Wild Turkey 101. 🥃

[@jeremybanks5937]

Thank you both for leaving in the "whoops" at 2:12. lol. Glad to see I am not the only one that this happens to. I also get a little too excited sometimes. lol

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It definitely happens from time to time 😂😂

[@josephlebo7320]

Just found your channel and have definitely subscribed. These reviews are great and very helpful, thanks! Also, I'm a pen nerd and appreciate the use of what looks like the Safari or the Al-Star lol

[@RETCAP10]

WT101 is an ‘any day reliable pour.’ I’ll add a shot of it to a shot of Worcestershire sauce and mix into ground beef and scored hot dogs for smoking on the Big Green Egg.

[@JeffUm]

Great review. Ironically enough I listened to the review while driving to the liquor store for something else. I have a new 101 at home. But sitting on the shelf behind the cashier were multiple pints of old 101. I bought 2. Looking forward to going home and trying them both out.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We’ve since gotten another bottle of the new bottling of WT101 and it’s delicious cherry pie on a glass. Let us know how they differ (or don’t differ) for you!

[@JeffUm]

The new batch definitely seems to have a little more cherry. Are they different enough to make a difference? I think the batch variances are prolly the difference. Both are quite good. I’m happy for either one. 👍🥃

[@andrewjeung7949]

These built-in outtakes are golden! Keep them in the main vids!

[@rossgullet4436]

Awesome review. I was aware of a change on the wild Turkey bottle but did not know there was a flavor change. Thanks. I’ll keep a eye out for the old bottle. Great Job!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Flavor drift across batches is definitely a real challenge for any distillery. We don't believe Wild Turkey is putting any younger whiskey in their batches of 101 but have heard from multiple people that the new batches are lacking the cinnamon pop we've grown so accustomed to from 101 in recent years. Cheers and thanks for watching Ross!

[@SHHDADDYSWORKN]

Just bought some rare breed and it tastes like a proofed up new lable 101, kind of not enjoying it as much as my last bottle of rare breed.

[@tragic504]

I had both but I prefer the 101 rye above them all. I had to force myself to stop sipping that one. I might stretch the budget in a few months and try it’s big brother Rare Breed Rye.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Rare Breed is pretty much a necessity if you enjoy proof *and* you enjoy 101 in any form or fashion. Cheers man!

[@seanpannebaker6404]

Great timing on this one. I recently picked up my first bottle on 101, the new release (haven't opened it yet). I'm still a newbie with bourbon but definitely looking forward to trying it!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We’ve since gotten another bottle of the new bottling of WT101 and it’s delicious cherry pie on a glass. Cheers and enjoy!

[@xiamengbaby]

I just picked up a 1.75 liter bottle that has the old label but has a newer bottle. Rather than the old handle you can put your fingers through, it has an indented grip on the back. I wonder if it contains the old or new juice. I haven't cracked it yet.

[@timmbottoni3135]

Bird bird bird, ba birds the word! Love all the Turkey and Russel products. Love the "turkey funk". Thanks for a fun video!!!

[@davidlepper1294]

LOL on the bloopers! I needed something to laugh at today! At least it didn't go up your nose. I like the new WT 101, but never had the original. Finally found a bottle of Rare Bread...2 thumbs up!!! Cheers!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Haha, glad you enjoyed them David! We always have fun while filming, especially in those “in between” moments. Cheers!

[@boswineguy5461]

Good stuff. The old paper label bottle is bunker worthy in my opinion. Some distributors/retailers have discounted it to make room for the new packaging.

[@kristopherschermerhorn998]

A drop or two of water to the new 101 really brings out the cinnamon and makes it much smoother.

[@pauleddy5146]

I have always enjoyed WT101. 6,7, and 8 year old whiskeys. #4 char 75, 13, 12 mash. Trying to pit the 2 against each other, one past the shoulder and the other first pour, is quite unfair. BUT, I will say, that in the past few years, consistency has been suspect. There is a difference, and I too prefer the older version. Their 8 year single barrels are not quite as good as older examples either.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Good points to address there. We have a few bottles of the new WT101 and used one that had been opened for a while for the sample pool. We used a full one for the thumbnail and b-roll mainly because it just looks better. We're actually trying to get photos for thumbnails and video for b-roll of bottles when they're still full and sealed now for that reason as well, but rarely put something into the blind pool if it's just been opened. Thanks for watching Paul!

[@robbiedaniels2164]

I love a comparison like this. Would be interesting to see you try a historical release. Like 101 from the mid 90s.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We’d love to get our hands on some Turkey from the 80s and 90s. It would be fascinating to compare, especially double blind.

[@robbiedaniels2164]

@@stuffandwhiskey Only way is by auction or by appealing to your your audience to have someone send in a sample. I was at a bar in Japan with 600 bourbons.

[@Glfrboi1]

If people were told they were drinking a $100 pour and didn’t know it was WT 101 they would all be impressed. It is that good.

[@gregs7375]

101 was my jam growing up! Drank so much of it I haven’t bought a bottle in a few years. Need to track down some old labels stat!!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It’s a classic for a reason. Cheers Gregory!

[@OldFashionedWays]

great fun double blind. I hate when I have swallowed whiskey wrong. it burns. lol thanks for reviewing. cheers

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks OFW! And that burn will get ya good if you’re not careful. Cheers!

[@reveremelody5378]

I like sharing the new bottle and filling up the new empty bottles with the old juice.

[@AndrewFifield]

I'd be curious to see a 101 vs Kentucky Spirit to see if its worth the 2-3x price difference for the "single barrel" experience.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Funny though we picked up a Kentucky Spirit while we were in Kentucky and have it in our blind head-to-head pool against WT101. Here’s to hoping it pops up sometime soon!

[@jeffreyjennings1640]

Erin needs a SippyCairn 🤣. I have been looking for the old label WT101 but haven't found one. I was under the impression that the only change was with the bottle though. I do like the WT101 (new label) a lot.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

A SippyCairn! 😂😂😂

[@jeffreyjennings1640]

@@stuffandwhiskey UPDATE! Stopped into a liquor store I'd never been to before and what did they have available? *** Queue angels singing *** Five old label WT 101 for $28, so two were acquired. There was a sale, buy two WT101 and get Russell's Reserve 10 year for $38. Winner winner chicken dinner! I know they're two different things but how about these comparisons: Rare Breed / 101, Rare Breed Rye / 101 Rye, 101 / 101 Rye, Rare Breed / Rare Breed Rye. Or a four way blind...

[@williamcornelison4721]

I really like the Wild Turkey 101 Rye. Will try a bourbon soon.

[@DaveH8905]

Yeah it’s really sad. I think WT101 still gets a lot of sales because of its heritage. There’s still a few things that I really like about it, but it just isn’t the same, and I won’t be buying it any more because of that. I also think OGD 114 is a lot better of a budget bottle. Cinnamon, caramel, honey, buttered biscuit, peanut, caramel, delicious.

[@LeatherDaddy97]

Wild turkey varies just due to batching. Ive never had one i didnt like tho. Still by far the best bottle under 30, and the only one that comes close is early times bib. I think the "id be happy at 50" kinda says it all

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Spot on. Not enough gets said about batch variance and we were so surprised that we forgot to mention it ourselves.

[@LVbibby]

thanks for the info but WT101 is supreme always highest score for the extreme value for such reasonable price.

[@Jared40]

I agree with paper label 101 had more cinnamon 👍🏻🥃🦃I still love both great easy sipper even for being 101 proof

[@igowtham90]

I thought only the packaging was new as I have never tried old WT 101. Any insights on what changed and why it tastes different? Btw, you have great content and I have been binge-watching your channel for the last few days! Cheers!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks so much man! And whiskey is more art than science when it comes to blending and matching profiles from batch to batch, so sometimes flavors differ a bit over time. It’s not something we’re super worried about. We’ve since bought another new WT101 bottling and it’s different than both of these and quite good.

[@No.3]

"Waitin' on a woman... amirite" will definitely make it into the next Matt Madness video clip pool. LOL

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Oh no. 😂😂

[@lovequeen_4014]

2024 I found 2 old bottles last month and I love the old label

[@wildernessman760]

new label for me nose rye, cinnamon,pink bubblegum, acetone,cocktail cherry juice,citrus. taste classic bourbon toffee caramel brown sugar vanilla bitter oak cherry citrus like orange peal pepper oily mouth feel delicious. old label nose rye spice cherry cinnamon caramel brown sugar citrus taste oak cherry hard candy chocolate toffee caramel honey pepper finish. oily silky smooth mouth feel. both are very good i like the old label a little more.

[@miked8236]

So did WT admit to changing the juice? Trying to figure out how the change in bottle and labeling has caused so many mixed reactions. For what its worth, my first bottle of WT101 from about 2 years ago I remember as being much more flavorful than a much older bottle that my Bro-in-law gave me. Who knows, I guess.....

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It’s just batch variation at play, we’re sure. Wild Turkey only has one recipe so there are no changes there. The only thing they could change is barrels (younger/less seasoned wood) or they could put younger whiskey into the blend (a lot of distilleries are doing this and it’s usually the culprit of sliding quality). Of course the batch variance could also be due to seasons/temperatures during that batch of barrels’ aging cycle, or simply the way those particular barrels married together. It’s almost impossible to recreate an identical profile batch after batch.

[@miked8236]

@@stuffandwhiskey Thanks! that all makes sense. I'm drinking it regardless. Along with the FOMO gang there seems to also be a large contingent of "change is automatically for the worse" people in the community as well! There is variation in everything. Cheers!!

[@robson2939]

I was about to buy it but it's too strong for me 😐50% abv is too much, I could drink maybe one glass for the night and that's it. Im gonna go with the regular Wild Turkey which is 40% - just perfect for me. I might get one of the small plastic bottles of WT 101 just to try it.

[@robertstrickland2121]

Drop a chip of ice in it, calms it down a bit and I think it tastes a little better too

[@robson2939]

@@robertstrickland2121 Thank you. Im from europe and Im not used to drink alcohol over 40%

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks for watching and commenting Robson! We do tend to gravitate to higher proof and flavor, but totally understand what you mean by it being strong. If you enjoy the 80 proof Wild Turkey then we think that’s awesome. Hard to beat Turkey at any proof in our book. Cheers!

[@big_goat]

Erin is def a Wild Turkey Girl! 🥃 cheers❕i wanna don WT the king but i cant find any Masters Keep. Surprisingly I find a lot of Buffalo Trace.

[@pierreluna1654]

The concept of your videos is amazing It's a shame that you only test American whiskies. It will be great to add scotch whiskies as well !

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We had a whole series going in international whisk(e)y for almost a year. Unfortunately producing content is time consuming and we needed some margin back, and not many people tuned into our international content. If you check our playlists for our Wildcard Wednesday series there’s quite a few videos to check out though.

[@jeffdavenport8104]

Great job keeping real guys! This episode was awesome!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Much fun was had with this one. Cheers Jeff and have a great weekend!

[@goth1180]

Nah it's the same stuff I've been drinking for ten years now hasn't changed if anything it's got better , cheers!

[@stephenbrady916]

Hey guys, love your channel. You might want to check out Doc Swinsons distillers cut. Really nice, but has quick finish. All in all it’s worth the $45-50.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We haven't tried much Doc Swinson's at all. Thanks for the recommendation, Stephen!

[@stephenbrady916]

@@stuffandwhiskey only had the distillers cut and it’s very good for an under 50 ncf. It hides the 115 proof really well.

[@xiamengbaby]

Has the new bottle WT 101 Rye also changed as compared to the old label bottle?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Great question and one we’re not sure of, although it’s likely to vary a bit over time anyway due to batch drift/variance. Our general rule is thumb is that if we find a bottle we truly love then we go back to that same store and stock up on a few.

[@catchacoolbreeze]

I just sipped 101 (old) tonight and found this video that was just released what a coincidence. Thought it was a bit too cinnamon for me. As I am a brandy drinker, can you recommend any Bourbons that have that thick viscous mouth feel (preferably sweet). I am having a hard time finding something I like!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thick, viscous, and sweet comes at a pretty high price in bourbon. Especially if you’re trying to match the fruit-based sweetness of brandy compared to the sweetness imparted by new oak in bourbon. If you love proof then it’s hard not to recommend grabbing bottles (or preferably pours at a bar) of Rare Breed, Old Forester 1920, and Knob Creek 120 proof to see which profile you prefer. At a 100ish proof point we think Early Times Bottled-in-Bond, Wild Turkey 101, Knob Creek 100 proof, and Old Forester 100 proof can tell you a lot. Even lower around 90 and it’s probably Buffalo Trace or Bowman Brothers, Elijah Craig Small Batch, and 1792 Small Batch for easy recommendations.

[@catchacoolbreeze]

@@stuffandwhiskey Thank you so much for the thoughtful and thorough reply. I will try to get some experience with the ones you mentioned and go from there!

[@89sooner]

A question that hits me on the watch...have y'all gotten to 2-3 of the new bottles purchased over a bit of time to see if there is any drift over batches.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

There’s definitely some batch variance at play. It happens to all whiskey. We were concerned so we bought another new bottling of WT101 while we were in a different state and it tastes different than both of these (better than this new bottle, different than the old bottle).

[@nandayane]

I got rye spice off my new bottle of WT 101

[@ThelifeofKingfish]

How can you tell the difference between the old bottle and the new one. I compared the two images from the video and couldn’t discern the different versions.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

The discontinued WT101 is the paper label with the large turkey head on the left side of the thumbnail. The new bottle is embossed on the right side of the thumbnail. Cheers Tim!

[@ThelifeofKingfish]

@@stuffandwhiskey thank you. I tried to get two label picks from the video. I was not able to get the old version, but found a great price on a new version 1.75. Thanks again!

[@TheBarryHawk]

One of my favorite videos!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It's one of our favorites that we've done too. Can't go wrong with double Turkey!

[@billjoynes3433]

WT 101 is my choice for cocktails. I prefer RR SiB and Rare Breed served neat. 🦃 🥃

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We’re with you there, Bill!

[@wildlifewhiskey3636]

I have about 3oz left of the old label. I’m going to blind the Old, New and the 2012 bottle I have. 101 is my absolute go to and the new bottle is not so different that I won’t buy it. Case and point im drinking it right now 😂

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Cheers to all that Justus! In Turkey we trust. 🦃

[@mikeh7917]

Is there a REAL difference in how they are made? Or just a different label design??

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Great question. It’s really just batch variance. Whiskey blending is more art than science and getting two batches to taste identical is near impossible, and flavors drift over time.

[@mikeh7917]

@@stuffandwhiskey Sounds good 👍

[@os4hwks757]

I am not a fan of the new 101; taste profile is very different to me! I agree with the paint thinner vibe on new 101! Its not terrible; i would just rather spend 25$ elsewhere! Love Rare Breed so 101 is a head scratcher for me?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We did get a different bottle of the new 101 and do like it a lot more. This is likely due to batch variance but it’s hard to say for sure. We just like that cinnamon note so much on Turkey and when it was missing in our first new bottle we we’re definitely bummed.

[@michaelackley1560]

Love when you guys get silly.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Us too! We always have fun but it’s more fun than anything to cut loose a little. Cheers Michael!

[@tweevers2]

Could it just be a plecebo effect from the 'new label' or perhaps just for some odd reason recent barrels being bottled have a slight flavor difference?...Because unless Wild Turkey changed their mashbill (disclosed or undisclosed) which they would have had to have done this eight years ago, being 101 is an 8 year old liquid....so secretly done this long before this 'recent new labeling/bottle design' came out.Unless they did that, then it should be the same juice in these new bottles. Therefore should have little in taste change.The mind is powerful, the most subtle of subconcious suggestions and changes or differences will have an effect on taste. One can do a blind taste test where they can take a bottle of the same Bourbon, pour it into two glasses...tell the person doing the blind tasting that there are two different Bourbons in those glasses and that person will swear up and down that they tast a difference. Then you reveal to them that nope,it was the same bottle in both glasses. Just by the mere suggestion of there being two different bourbons, the person tasted two differences. So maybe the plecebo effect of the 'new label and bottle' might be causing this effect. Unless there has truly been a change in mashbill or distilling processes, for it to cause a difference in taste.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Wild Turkey definitely hasn't changed their mashbill, but whiskey is far more art than science, with so many other factors that change over time (which directly influence the end taste). Climate, water, the wood the barrels are made from, where the barrels are stored in the warehouse, how all those barrels react when blended, etc. Slight flavor difference over time is just part of the process, and something we try to highlight as much as we can, as we don't think it's discussed often enough.

[@ThriftyWhiskey]

Whoa, Joyce and I also got married in 2017. What month?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

May over here. What about y’all?

[@ThriftyWhiskey]

@@stuffandwhiskey July, but we tend to celebrate in May because July is hot. Congrats on 5 years!

[@chipgar63]

In my market the old and new sit side by side. The new one is more expensive. Go figure

[@doug9990]

Drinking problem? Can’t take her anywhere! 😀. That’s NEVER happened to me!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

😂😂

[@cade5400]

My last bottle of WT 101 was absolutely spectacular (old label), but my latest bottle with the new label just doesn’t hit the same. It has that popsicle stick note and is overall much lighter in nose and palate. I’ve decided to relegate it to a mixer :/ or blend it with Elijah Craig SB when drinking neat. I think those two blended is really spectacular

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Love the idea of blending them!

[@877-MASH-NOW]

WHISKEY CHEERS 😎😎😎😎OMG Erin 😂🤣

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Haha, cheers Jay!

[@clearlycaribbeanreb2895]

As a long time WT 101 drinker, I swear they’re different now. I don’t feel the burn the same.

[@tobiasblack1749]

Great segment. In my experience Wild Turkey varies bottle to bottle to some degree. More so than many brands. That is my opinion but to be fair it isn’t in my usual drinking rotation. I prefer Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, Knob Creek (all types), Tin Cup 10 and Bulleit Rye. Wild Turkey is overrated in my mind but now I want to try and get both bottles for a blind taste.

[@michaelackley1560]

If you had no qualms about money do you buy Rare Breed always

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Definitely. We keep a bottle of 101 around but have multiple bottles of Rare Breed.

[@zachohmie1262]

I 100% agree about the new bottle being more nutty and the old one more cinnamon. I just had a glass of the new a couple days ago and thought to myself that I miss the more cinnamon and cherry flavor I always got on the old one. The new one is still very good but I also slightly prefer the old one.

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

No. It’s wonderful.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

In Turkey we trust. 🦃

[@JayMcB]

Personally I think it’s slightly better..

[@WBLumpkin87]

Old label is definitely better but after several bottles of 101 I can confidently say that it’s one of the most OVERrated bottles out there.. imo of course. Decent sipper and mixer for sub-$30 but that’s it.

[@SHHDADDYSWORKN]

Absolutely hate new 101, haven't had anything prior but idk if even wanna because it tastes to much like soap and a mouthful of toothpicks.

[@alexmccabe9698]

The most unfortunate thing, is when you find a 2014 bottling of Wild Turkey 101 and it's by far the best...

[@oldfarmshow]

🤦‍♂️

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Not sure what to make of the emoji but thanks for watching OFS. Cheers!

[@oldfarmshow]

@@stuffandwhiskey 2:10

[@stuffandwhiskey]

@@oldfarmshow haha, we briefly thought about removing that but thought it was just too funny to scrap. Gotta keep it real. Cheers!