Named after legendary Master Distiller Jimmy
Russell, this must-visit stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is part
of the distillery's multi-year expansion plan
LAWRENCEBURG, Ky., May 22, 2024
/CNW/ -- Wild Turkey Distilling Co., the award-winning
distillery known for its iconic bold Kentucky bourbon, today announces the opening
of the Jimmy Russell Wild Turkey Experience. This newly renovated
visitor center, named in honor of the legendary master distiller,
embodies the brand's deep-rooted commitment to Kentucky hospitality. The destination, set to
attract bourbon aficionados worldwide to Wild Turkey Hill, is now
open for public tours and tastings and represents a significant
step in the ongoing expansion of the Wild Turkey campus.
As a founding member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Wild Turkey
has long been a must-visit stop thanks to breathtaking views
overlooking the Kentucky River, the storied Russell family behind
the brand, and exceptional bourbon and rye whiskeys. With the new
renovation, the iconic visitor center aims to make the most of
these distinctive attributes and further embrace the warm
Kentucky hospitality and sense of
community Wild Turkey is known for. Spanning over 12,000 square
feet, the state-of-the-art space invites bourbon fans into the Wild
Turkey family through tours & tastings, three new indoor &
outdoor bars, seating areas, and a retail experience that reflects
over a century of bourbon-making tradition.
Of course, there is no fixture more important on Wild Turkey
Hill than Jimmy Russell himself,
whose philosophy about life and community greatly influenced the
newly redesigned space. To kick off Jimmy's 70th anniversary year
with Wild Turkey, the renaming of the visitor center commemorates
Jimmy's unwavering dedication to crafting bourbon his way - the
right way. Guests who have a chance to meet, hear a story or share
a toast with Jimmy during their visit will instantly understand the
spirit of space.
The new Jimmy Russell Wild Turkey Experience features an array
of stunning amenities, including:
- Outdoor Pavilion & Bar: Overlooking the lush
landscape and Kentucky river with views of the historic
Jo Blackburn Bridge and Young's High
Bridge, the outdoor pavilion and terrace provides a picturesque
setting for events, tastings and gatherings while enjoying the
finest American whiskeys from Wild Turkey, Russell's Reserve and
Longbranch.
- History Walk: Visitors can stroll a video hallway which
traces the evolution of bourbon, discovering the milestones that
have shaped Wild Turkey's rich history, and provides a deep dive
into the whiskey production process.
- Generations Lounge: Named in celebration of three
generations of the Russell family working at Wild Turkey, this
contemporary mixology lounge offers panoramic views of the Kentucky
River and an innovative cocktail program with a rotating menu of
classics and modern favorites.
- Tasting Rooms: Wild Turkey's expert guides will lead guests
through a curated selection of the distillery's fine bourbons &
ryes in two brand new tasting rooms, featuring displays of historic
Wild Turkey bottles through the years.
- Expanded Tour Offerings: An array of new tour packages
allow guests to dive deeper into the specific Wild Turkey
offerings. Options include premium tastings, production tours,
rickhouse visits, and a new Russell's Reserve maturation tour.
- Retail Experience: Guests can explore a wide range of
American whiskeys, merchandise and gifts including exclusive and
limited-edition offerings from across the Wild Turkey portfolio,
such as coveted collector favorites like Russell's Reserve Single
Rickhouse Collection and the Master's Keep series.
"For our family, this isn't just a place to visit; it's like a
second home," says Bruce Russell,
Associate Blender at Wild Turkey. "We're thrilled to now be able to
open our doors a little wider and welcome even more folks into this
community. The Jimmy Russell Wild Turkey Experience is a perfect
tribute to grandad and his life-long commitment to spreading the
word of bourbon."
The modernized Jimmy Russell Wild Turkey Experience is part of
larger renovations to the Wild Turkey campus. First announced last
year, Wild Turkey will soon break ground on a new distillery
designed to produce 5 million additional proof gallons, increasing
the total capacity to 14 million proof gallons and allowing the
distillery to continue to meet demand and continue to grow. These
renovations are part of Campari Group's more than $160 million investment in the distillery and
will add dozens of jobs to the community.
Whether a seasoned bourbon aficionado or new to the world of
whiskey, Wild Turkey invites you to book your upcoming visit to the
Jimmy Russell Wild Turkey Experience. More information on opening
hours, location and tours can be found at
wildturkeybourbon.com/our-distillery.
ABOUT WILD TURKEY
The distillery for Wild Turkey Bourbon is in Kentucky,
situated on a deep limestone shelf on the Kentucky River. The shelf
acts as a natural filter and provides the distillery with crystal
clear water, vital to making such a high-quality product.
Wild Turkey features the legendary father and son Master
Distilling team of Jimmy and Eddie
Russell, who have over 100 years of collective experience
working at the Wild Turkey distillery.
The famous Wild Turkey brand name first came about back in 1940
when distillery executive Thomas McCarthey took a few
warehouse samples on a wild turkey hunting trip with a group of
friends. The following year, his friends asked him for "some of
that wild turkey whiskey" and the brand was born.
Wild Turkey is distilled and put into new oak barrels
at a much lower ABV than most bourbons. This results in a much
richer flavor, as less is cooked out during the production process.
Ageing in the highest quality new American oak barrels with the
heaviest char available (the Number 4 "alligator" char), imparts a
smooth flavor and deep amber color to the whiskey. The barrels are
filled at the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Website: wildturkey.com.
ABOUT CAMPARI GROUP
Campari Group is a major player in the global spirits industry,
with a portfolio of over 50 premium and super premium brands,
spreading across Global, Regional and Local priorities.
Global Priorities, the Group's key focus, include Aperol,
Appleton Estate, Campari, SKYY, Wild Turkey and Grand Marnier.
The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest
player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. It has a global
distribution reach, trading in over 190 nations around the world
with leading positions in Europe
and the Americas.
The Group's growth strategy aims to combine organic growth
through strong brand building and external growth via selective
acquisitions of brands and businesses.
Headquartered in Sesto San
Giovanni, Italy, Campari
Group owns 22 plants worldwide and has its own distribution network
in 23 countries. The Group employs approximately 4,000 people.
The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano N.V.
(Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM), have been listed on the
Italian Stock Exchange since 2001.
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SOURCE Wild Turkey