Jimmy Russell

Thanks a Thousand! (Episode 1000: April 16, 2023)

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We’re celebrating a major milestone this week with the 1000th episode of WhiskyCast! To mark the occasion, Mark went back through the archives to pick some memorable moments and interviews from the past 18 years for this special episode. You’ll hear from legends like the late Parker Beam and Michael Jackson, along with Jimmy Russell, Jim McEwan, Maureen Robinson, Fawn Weaver, and Richard Paterson…just to name a few. This episode is a lot longer than usual, and there’s plenty more that we could have included. In the news, Scotch Whisky Association leaders are hoping to persuade Parliament to reject a Read More »

Cheesy Gold and the Glut

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Every Cheesy Gold Foil is undoubtedly special, but as a buddy of mine recently stated, 1988’s hits differently.
The post Cheesy Gold and the Glut appeared first on Rare Bird 101.

2022: A Look Back

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Of the six years I’ve covered Wild Turkey, I can’t think of a more eventful year than 2022. From barrel picks at the distillery, to press trips and a day spent as a camp instructor, I had the fortune of experiencing the brand from the inside out. I acc…

Russell’s Single Legacy

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Last month, I participated in a press trip for the release of Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse. It may not surprise readers who know me, but up to that point I’d never attended a press trip. I suppose it’s the price you pay when your writing focus is…

Jimmy Russell – 68 Years at Wild Turkey

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On September 10, 1954, Jimmy Russell first punched the clock at the distillery that would become known as Wild Turkey. He hasn’t stopped. Today marks Jimmy Russell’s 68th year at Wild Turkey. Can you imagine working 68 years at the same job – at …

Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2022

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August 17, 2022 – Six inductees will join the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame next month in the first induction ceremony since 2019. The honorees were announced today, including the late Stephen Thompson of Kentucky Artisan Distillery, this year’s recipient of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award. Thompson passed away last year at the age of 79 following an accident. “He’s another one that everyone misses,” said Kentucky Distillers Association president Eric Gregory. “He was such a resource and an advocate for the craft distilleries…he had almost an encyclopedic knowledge of production facilities and what to do, and if you Read More »

Wild Turkey 101 12-Year (2022)

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In January 2018, I published my first “Wild Turkey Wish List.” I’m happy to report that four years later, another wish has been granted – the return of Wild Turkey 101 12-Year. After a ten-year hiatus that seemed like forever, the fan-favorite ex…

1997 Wild Turkey Liqueur

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Bourbon liqueurs … you see them everywhere – cinnamon, maple, peach, cherry, etc. They’re so common and popular, you might think they’ve been around forever. But they haven’t. And little do most folks know, it all started with Jimmy Russell. Whil…

Judy, Jimmy, Bourbon, and Time

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Life is full of surprises. Cliché? Sure. But, true. I awoke at 4:00 AM excited for my Tuesday morning flight to Kentucky. As I hastily snoozed my alarm, I noticed my flight had been delayed by two hours. No worries. A quick rebook via Delta’s app and d…

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