Campari has completed work on an upgraded visitors center at the Wild Turkey Distillery campus in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and named it in honor of longtime master distiller Jimmy Russell. The move comes as Russell celebrates his 70th year at the distillery, after coming on board as an apprentice in 1954.
The Jimmy Russell Wild Turkey Experience features an outdoor pavilion and bar suitable for events and special occasions, along with two new tasting rooms and the Generations lounge, which honors the three generations of Russells working at Wild Turkey.
“For our family, this isn’t just a place to visit; it’s like a second home,” said Bruce Russell, Associate Blender at Wild Turkey (and Jimmy’s grandson). “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,” he said in a news release.
The center will offer an expanded range of tours, including production tours, rickhouse visits, and a new Russell’s Reserve maturation tour. It’s the latest expansion at the Wild Turkey campus, with ground-breaking expected soon on a second distillery at the site along the Kentucky River. The new distillery will bring annual production to 14 million proof gallons, which is expected to meet anticipated demand for Wild Turkey whiskies well into the future.
Links: Wild Turkey