WILD TURKEY DISTILLERY WITH ALMA

Описание: The Wild Turkey Distillery, located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, has a rich history tied to American bourbon. Founded in 1869 by the Ripy brothers, it began as a small operation called the Ripy Brothers Distillery. The distillery grew steadily, producing bourbon for private labels and surviving Prohibition by making whiskey for medicinal purposes. After Prohibition ended in 1933, the distillery rebuilt and expanded under Austin Nichols & Co., who acquired it in the 1940s.

The name "Wild Turkey" emerged in 1940 when executive Thomas McCarthy brought samples of the distillery’s 101-proof bourbon on a turkey hunting trip, and the name stuck among his friends. By 1942, it was officially branded as Wild Turkey Bourbon. In 1971, Austin Nichols fully took over, and the distillery was renamed Wild Turkey Distillery in 1995.

Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, who joined in 1954, played a pivotal role, working for over 60 years to maintain the brand’s traditional methods, like using non-GMO corn and aging in heavily charred barrels. His son, Eddie Russell, joined in 1981 and became co-Master Distiller, continuing the family legacy. The distillery was purchased by the Campari Group in 2009, which invested in modernization while preserving its craft.

Today, Wild Turkey is known for its bold, high-rye bourbons like Wild Turkey 101 and premium lines like Russell’s Reserve, with a visitor center opened in 2014 showcasing its heritage. The distillery remains a Kentucky icon, blending tradition with innovation.