Wild Turkey Longbranch vs Rare Breed Bourbon (2023 Updated)
Last Updated on November 5, 2023 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.
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.
Conclusion
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.
References:
- https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/wine/what-is-a-non-chill-filtered-whisky/article4102486/
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/201787-what-grains-are-not-gmo/
