I'm with you on this one. Over hyped and over priced (it does come in a very nice bottle though). Basically a marketing gimmick and not up to WT usual standards. I'm sticking with the 101.
I had the same reaction. I love 101, and a bottle shop near me had this for $20 and Rare Breed for $24 (which is INSANE) so I jumped on the opportunity to buy both. My biggest mistake was probably trying Rare Breed first, because it's insanely good. This got one shot, and it's sat on my fireplace ever since.
For some reason, the mesquite only comes through on the rocks which makes it an interesting pour from time to time. I'll keep it in the rotation for now.
@@BlindWhiskeyReviews I'm glad I didn't buy it. A friend bought me a bottle, since we both love turkey products, it definitely doesn't live up anywhere close to the price or hype.
Nice review. I just finished this bottle. I think it's definitely better on the rocks. The alcohol cuts out and it gets sweet. More than anything, I think they made this to share with friends (non whisky geeks) with ice added in warm weather so you can say, "Wanna try something from Matthew McConaughey?". Cheers.
Haha hopefully your bottle is better than mine! The whiskey stinks of Campari meddling and doesn't seem like a product that the Russell boys put their hearts into.
They are similar in price but I can tell you hands down that Rare Breed wins that all day. My complaint with Longbranch is mainly that it is over diluted and lacking in flavor. Rare Breed is bursting with flavor and complexity. It wouldn't even be fair. Those whiskeys are not even in the same universe. Buy Rare Breed. You won't be dissappointed.
Jon, Great review. Surprised to see Wild Turkey and Eddie Russell let this go out. Or maybe they are hoping this Celeb Tie-in and bottling will get people introduced and start sipping bourbon? But they already have WT 81?? Glad I didn't buy a bottle, I already have EW BiB for mixing and at less than half the price. Keep up the Blind Tastings!! Cheers!
I have a strong suspicion the Russell's didn't have much choice if this whiskey came out or not. Campari was probably all about getting a celeb to endorse the brand.
I love Turkey products and I hated Longbranch. Just a cheap diluted whiskey with a big marketing campaign. I suspected as much when It came out so i got a pour in a bar first and like you said...really low flavor and super short finish...and thin...I hate thin. Great review though man! Cheers!
Thanks for the review! Even though I am a big Turkey fan, I was skeptical about this one and haven't picked up a bottle yet. For the price I'll stick with Rare Breed and Russell's Reserve Single Barrel. Have you tried any of their Master's Keep offerings? Decades and Revival were both really good (although maybe a bit too high in price)?
I'm with you on Russell's and Rare Breed. Those are two of my faves. I enjoyed all three of the Masters Keep releases. I thought the 17 year was a bit weak though. Revival was my favorite of the bunch. I think they should go for $99.
@@BlindWhiskeyReviews agreed. The $139 price point is a bit too steep. Rare Breed and RR SiB are just such a great deal along with WT 101. Shame about Longbranch but perhaps they will improve it in the future.
Could it be they are trying to appeal to a wide audience(women and younger folks) with lighter palates than the high proof crowd(you n me)? Or, maybe it's the money. I'll have to pass on this one for that money. It's marked up here anyway. Thank for the totally honest review.
Of course! I feel like they proofed it down to be approachable but I don't find the flavor approachable at all. Unless this whiskey changes drastically I am definitely not a buyer. Cheers!
To me, this is similar to Irish Single Pot Still whiskey. I liked it.
Maybe I need to try it again but I didnt enjoy this at all. So watered down. With WT 101 being half the price I wouldn't go back.
So glad that you are reviewing this
I've been really wanting to review it. I was bummed that I didn't enjoy it. I think this one is a miss for Wild Turkey.
I'm with you on this one. Over hyped and over priced (it does come in a very nice bottle though). Basically a marketing gimmick and not up to WT usual standards. I'm sticking with the 101.
You and me both my friend!
Greatly appreciate the honesty🙏
Of course!
I had the same reaction. I love 101, and a bottle shop near me had this for $20 and Rare Breed for $24 (which is INSANE) so I jumped on the opportunity to buy both. My biggest mistake was probably trying Rare Breed first, because it's insanely good. This got one shot, and it's sat on my fireplace ever since.
I couldn't imagine drinking this next to Rare Breed. It didn't stand a chance!
For some reason, the mesquite only comes through on the rocks which makes it an interesting pour from time to time. I'll keep it in the rotation for now.
It's a good mixer but it's no russell's reserve, which is the same price...
I was super disappointed with this one. Definitely won't buy another one.
@@BlindWhiskeyReviews I'm glad I didn't buy it. A friend bought me a bottle, since we both love turkey products, it definitely doesn't live up anywhere close to the price or hype.
Nice review. I just finished this bottle. I think it's definitely better on the rocks. The alcohol cuts out and it gets sweet. More than anything, I think they made this to share with friends (non whisky geeks) with ice added in warm weather so you can say, "Wanna try something from Matthew McConaughey?". Cheers.
Bronco Rog I think you are right, share with friends and really easy to drink.
I'll give the ice a shot. Definitely can't hurt! They should have just put McConaughey's face on the bottle.
I happen to still have a sealed bottle of this... Now I'm looking forward to opening it with greater anticipation!
Haha hopefully your bottle is better than mine! The whiskey stinks of Campari meddling and doesn't seem like a product that the Russell boys put their hearts into.
Would also like to see a Wild Turkey Spirit single Barrel vs Rare Breed vs 17yo Master Selection.
Now that sounds like a fun shootout!!! I think I can make that happen. Im going to be breaking out the rest of the Masters Keep line soon. Cheers!
Man sucks you didn’t dig this one. This is still one of my go to drinks. I hope it got better with time for you. Cheers 🥃
Thanks! Me too. I have not gone back to it yet but I will soon. Hopefully it is like most other Turkey products and does better with some air time.
I knew there was a reason I kept walking by this on the shelf.
Keep walking my friend! Cheers
Found it smooth, interesting in a sense. Hard for me to go back to though at $40.
Agreed. $40 is a tough price point for this whiskey. I paid $30 and I'm still bummed.
That's where I'm at, too. I enjoyed it more than BWR did, but I can't justify buying it again
Would like to see Longbranch vs Rare Breed, seeing they are similar price.
They are similar in price but I can tell you hands down that Rare Breed wins that all day. My complaint with Longbranch is mainly that it is over diluted and lacking in flavor. Rare Breed is bursting with flavor and complexity. It wouldn't even be fair. Those whiskeys are not even in the same universe. Buy Rare Breed. You won't be dissappointed.
Jon, Great review. Surprised to see Wild Turkey and Eddie Russell let this go out. Or maybe they are hoping this Celeb Tie-in and bottling will get people introduced and start sipping bourbon? But they already have WT 81?? Glad I didn't buy a bottle, I already have EW BiB for mixing and at less than half the price. Keep up the Blind Tastings!! Cheers!
I have a strong suspicion the Russell's didn't have much choice if this whiskey came out or not. Campari was probably all about getting a celeb to endorse the brand.
Hey Jon that is disappointing. I too love WT101 and the Rare Breed. Cheers
It sure is. I guess everyone has a dud once in a while.
I liked the LB well enough but at nearly $20 less I prefer WT101 all day long. The empty bottle made a nice infinity bottle.
I definitely dig the bottle. At least at first taste this one doesn't live up to my Wild Turkey expectations. Rest assured I will revisit this one!!!
I love Turkey products and I hated Longbranch. Just a cheap diluted whiskey with a big marketing campaign. I suspected as much when It came out so i got a pour in a bar first and like you said...really low flavor and super short finish...and thin...I hate thin. Great review though man! Cheers!
Thanks Wes! Wish they wouldn't have put this one out. At first taste it definitely doesn't live up to WT standards.
Thanks for the review! Even though I am a big Turkey fan, I was skeptical about this one and haven't picked up a bottle yet. For the price I'll stick with Rare Breed and Russell's Reserve Single Barrel. Have you tried any of their Master's Keep offerings? Decades and Revival were both really good (although maybe a bit too high in price)?
I'm with you on Russell's and Rare Breed. Those are two of my faves. I enjoyed all three of the Masters Keep releases. I thought the 17 year was a bit weak though. Revival was my favorite of the bunch. I think they should go for $99.
@@BlindWhiskeyReviews agreed. The $139 price point is a bit too steep. Rare Breed and RR SiB are just such a great deal along with WT 101. Shame about Longbranch but perhaps they will improve it in the future.
Could it be they are trying to appeal to a wide audience(women and younger folks) with lighter palates than the high proof crowd(you n me)? Or, maybe it's the money. I'll have to pass on this one for that money. It's marked up here anyway. Thank for the totally honest review.
Of course! I feel like they proofed it down to be approachable but I don't find the flavor approachable at all. Unless this whiskey changes drastically I am definitely not a buyer. Cheers!
I already have my disappointment bottle this month (Jefferson's), Jon you saved me some money. I won't get this crap.
Yeah I have not been a big fan if the Jefferson's whiskeys that I have tried. This one is a definite pass for me too.
Damn... I wish you would have done this review a month ago before I bought my own. It just collects dust on my shelf because it's so boring.
Awwwww bummer. Maybe you can pass it off to friends in cocktails or something.
It's not offensive, but offers very little flavor. Overpriced and overhyped.
Exactly. I guess this is what you get when you let Matthew McConaughey have input on you whiskey.
agree its rubbish