Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Wild Turkey’s Longbranch and Rare Breed are two special variants from a renowned distillery. One boasts impressive alcohol strength, while the other has a unique flavor. But which of the two is better?
Let’s find out their key differences in this comprehensive Wild Turkey Longbranch vs Rare Breed review.
Comparing Wild Turkey Rare Breed & Longbranch Bourbons
Wild Turkey’s Rare Breed and Longbranch bourbons are spirits made by Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell. This Wild Turkey Kentucky bourbon blend has a higher alcohol proof of 112.8 than Longbranch’s 86.
Longbranch, a collaboration between Mr. Russel and Matthew McConaughey, has no age statement but has a Texan twist. It also uses two different proprietary filtration methods.
Key Differences
Production Process
Both Wild Turkey whiskey variants go through the same fermentation and distillation, just like the other bourbon bottles from Wild Turkey. The mash bill used is the same, including the percentage processed at Wild Turkey Distilling Company.
There are no differences during the fermentation and distillation process. However, the filtration methods of the two are very different from one other.
Filtration & Barrel Aging Process
The Rare Breed has the Non-Chill Filtered Bourbon (NCF) [1] and the Chill-Filtered bottle. The NCF has a fuller taste because it keeps the oils and other components while lowering the liquid’s temperature.
Meanwhile, Longbranch uses two different proprietary filtration methods. The first filtration uses white oak charcoals, and the second uses Texas Mesquite charcoal. It is also more affordable than Rare Breed’s bourbon.
Read: Wild Turkey 101 & Buffalo Trace Bourbons Compared
Age Statement
Both bottles are said to have no age statements. However, the Rare Breed variant is bottled with blends from barrels containing 4, 6, 8, and 12- year old bourbons. This high-proof spirit has one of the best blends among Wild Turkey’s products.
Longbranch, on the other hand, is believed to have an eight-year-old Kentucky bourbon. The age is possibly withheld because Wild Turkey still observes how the public will respond to this variant. It is a new addition which has a great possibility of being a permanent impression.
Mash Bill
The same mash bills are used for the two variants. Wild Turkey’s bourbons have 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malt barley. Non-GMO grains [2] go through slow-cooking at a stable temperature, not going beyond 100 degrees celsius to develop sugars naturally.
Tasting Notes
The Rare Breed’s bourbon whiskey has a bright, honey-sweet aroma with hints of vanilla and citrus. The palate tastes cherry, oak, and baking spices with sweet notes of vanilla and caramel with just the right touch of oak and nutmeg. It has a spicy dry finish.
The Longbranch whiskey has sweet vanilla notes on the nose. The palate has a stronger hint of smoke, rye, and toasted oak but was toned with the flavor of vanilla, toasted oak, and lemon zest with hints of butter and pepper on the finish.
Alcohol Proof
The Rare Breed’s whiskey has a higher proof compared to Longbranch. It is one of Wild Turkey’s high-proof spirits bottled at 112.8 proof or 56.4% ABV. Everyone who wants to try this whiskey should have a legal drinking age.
The Longbranch Kentucky bourbon whiskey is bottled 86 proof with 43% ABV. It is not as high-proof as the other bottles from Wild Turkey Kentucky bourbon trail, but it has the noticeable heat when drank neat.
Price & Value
The Rare Breed barrel-proof whiskey is roughly $44 for every 750 ml. This price is very affordable considering the age of the bottled spirits and their very good taste.
On the other hand, the Longbranch Wild Turkey bourbon variant is sold at around $39.99 for every 750ml. It is also priced reasonably. These variants are bottled with high alcohol content. That is why we always encourage responsible drinking for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is smoother, Wild Turkey Rare Breed or Longbranch?
Longbranch is smoother than the Rare Breed variant. Both distilled whiskeys are smooth. However, Rare Breed is a high-proof bottle with more alcohol than Longbranch.
Which Wild Turkey is rare, Longbranch or Rare Breed?
Wild Turkey’s Longbranch variant is a rare drink compared to the Rare Breed variant. This opinion is based on the availability of the products. You can easily find a bottle in a liquor store like Scotch whiskeys.
What is Rare Breed Wild Turkey?
Rare Breed is a line of premium bourbons produced by Wild Turkey Distillery. It is renowned for its full-bodied and robust flavor profile, created by blending select barrels of six, eight, and 12-year-old whiskies. This high-proof bourbon is celebrated for its rich complexity and intensity, offering a distinctive drinking experience for bourbon enthusiasts.
Is Longbranch made by Wild Turkey?
Yes, Longbranch is a bourbon made by Wild Turkey Distillery. It is a collaborative effort between the master distiller Eddie Russell and actor Matthew McConaughey. Longbranch is known for its refined and approachable character, featuring a combination of eight-year-old Wild Turkey bourbon and refined with Texas mesquite and oak charcoals, resulting in a unique and smooth whiskey.
What is the most expensive Wild Turkey whiskey?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the Wild Turkey Master’s Keep series includes some of the distillery’s most expensive and limited-edition releases. These releases are aged for an extended period, with unique cask finishes and exquisite packaging. The pricing can vary, but the Master’s Keep releases are generally positioned as high-end offerings in the Wild Turkey lineup.
How long is Wild Turkey Rare Breed aged?
Wild Turkey Rare Breed does not carry an age statement on the label, which means it is a blend of bourbons of various ages. The components are selected from barrels that have aged for different durations, typically ranging from six to 12 years. The absence of a specific age statement allows the distillery to create a well-balanced and flavorful bourbon by combining whiskies from different maturation periods.
What is the highest proof of Wild Turkey?
The highest proof among Wild Turkey’s regular lineup is the Wild Turkey Rare Breed, which varies by batch but generally falls within the range of 112.8 to 116.8 proof. This high-proof bourbon is celebrated for its bold and robust character, showcasing the distinctive flavors that Wild Turkey is known for.
What is Wild Turkey Longbranch?
Wild Turkey Longbranch is a unique bourbon crafted in collaboration with actor Matthew McConaughey and the master distiller Eddie Russell. It stands out for its refined and approachable profile, created by filtering eight-year-old Wild Turkey bourbon through Texas mesquite and white oak charcoal. This process imparts a smooth and distinctive character to the whiskey, making it a notable addition to the Wild Turkey lineup.
Is Wild Turkey Longbranch a good bourbon?
Wild Turkey Longbranch is generally regarded as a good bourbon, appreciated for its smoothness and approachability. The collaboration with Matthew McConaughey, along with the innovative production process involving mesquite and oak charcoal filtration, has resulted in a bourbon with a well-balanced flavor profile. It appeals to both seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and those newer to the spirit, making it a versatile and enjoyable choice for a wide range of consumers.
What proof is Wild Turkey Longbranch?
Wild Turkey Longbranch is bottled at 86 proof (43% alcohol by volume). This proof level contributes to its smooth and approachable character, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a bourbon with a milder alcohol intensity. The filtration process, coupled with the moderate proof, enhances the overall drinking experience, allowing the flavors of the bourbon to shine without overwhelming the palate with alcohol heat.
What is the rarest whiskey in the world?
Determining the rarest whiskey is subjective and can depend on various factors, including limited releases, age, and exclusivity. However, one contender for the title is the Macallan 1926, particularly the Peter Blake and Michael Dillon editions, which are renowned for their scarcity and historical significance, with only a handful of bottles ever produced.
Is Wild Turkey whiskey top shelf?
While Wild Turkey offers a range of whiskies catering to different preferences, some expressions, such as the Wild Turkey Master’s Keep series, are considered top-shelf. These limited-edition releases, often aged for an extended period and featuring unique cask finishes, showcase the distillery’s craftsmanship and are positioned as premium offerings in the Wild Turkey lineup.
What is the most expensive whiskey?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the most expensive whiskey ever sold is the Macallan 1926 Peter Blake, auctioned for a staggering $751,703 in 2018. However, whiskey prices can fluctuate based on various factors, including rarity, age, brand prestige, and the demand among collectors.
Where is Wild Turkey Rare Breed made?
Wild Turkey Rare Breed is produced at the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, USA. The distillery has a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century and is known for its traditional production methods, commitment to quality, and the creation of iconic bourbons, including the Rare Breed expression, which is crafted by selecting and blending barrels to achieve a robust and flavorful high-proof bourbon.
Final Verdict: Wild Turkey Longbranch Vs Rare Breed
Wild Turkey Rare Breed excels over Wild Turkey Longbranch but not for a huge difference. We chose the Rare Breed variant mainly because it is bottled straight from the barrels with high alcohol strength and more flavors. Despite that, it is smooth and does not hit the nose offensively.
Wild Turkey Longbranch is also a great variety with the Texas twist, and the hints of oak and vanilla make it a sipping spirit.
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