Our second stop of the day was the Wild Turkey Distillery. This was a short 15 minute drive from Four Roses.
Grounds
The first thing we noticed as we arrived at Wild Turkey is how old the rick-houses look and how new the visitor center is.
The gift shop/visiting center consisted of four separate areas. The first was the traditional gift shop. They had an underwhelming selection that included their standard spirits (mostly Longbranch and Wild Turkey) as well as some shirts and hats. Overall, we felt it was uninspired.
Next to the gift shop was an area highlighting the history of the Wild Turkey brands and what makes them unique.
At the end of the area highlighting the history was a bar where visitors can order cocktails made with some of the Wild Turkey brands. These included some signature drinks, such as their take on the Old Fashioned, as well as pours. Unfortunately for us, the bar didn't open until 11, which was the start of our tour so we didn't get a chance to try any of the drinks.
The last area was the tasting room. Definitely more on that later.
Tickets for the tour
Bourbon barrel cuff-links and tie stay
History of Wild Turkey
The tour begins by loading everyone onto a Wild Turkey shuttle and driving to the distillation building where they create the mash and distill into bourbon. Unlike Four Roses, the end-to-end production is completed at this location so we were able to see the entire process from the initial mash bill all the way through barreling. Unfortunately, bottling wasn't included in the tour and participants weren't able to explore and experience everything with the same freedom as other tours we've been on.
For some reason, there was a tricked out motorcycle in the fermentation room
Product testing... the dream job to end all dream job
Rickhouse
Once the bus dropped us back at the visitor center, we were up the ramp to the tasting room. Included were four samples. Wild Turkey, Wild Turkey Rye, Wild Turkey Honey, and Longbranch. The host took us through each one and told some history and uniqueness about the various flavors.
Wild Turkey was a fun tour that offered a bit of variety compared to the Four Roses as it included the rickhouse as part of the tour. However, it wasn't nearly as hands on as some of the others that we've been on, such as Woodford, Four Roses, and Makers Mark, to name a few. It was worth visiting, but unlike some of the others, this isn't one we'd probably go back and do again.
Tours start at $11. Wild Turkey Distillery is located at:
1417 Versailles Road
Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tours leave on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tours leave on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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