Wild Turkey Tradition 14 Year Bourbon 750ML

Wild Turkey Tradition 14 Year Bourbon 750ML is a 14-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 50.5% ABV (101 proof) in a 750ml bottle. This expression earned a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, placing it among the most decorated long-aged bourbons in the Wild Turkey portfolio. Its extended maturation and heavy-char barrel regimen produce a depth and complexity that separates it from standard releases.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50.5% (101 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, USA  |  Age: 14 Years  |  Distillery: Austin, Nichols Distilling Co.

Production & Heritage

Austin, Nichols Distilling Co. in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, has long been known for its commitment to full-flavored bourbon. The Tradition 14 Year expression uses the distillery's signature 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley mashbill — a notably lower corn ratio than most bourbons, allowing the rye grain to assert itself more forcefully across the palate. The distillate comes off the still at approximately 55% ABV, well below the legal maximum, preserving more character from the grain. It then spends a full 14 years maturing in new American white oak barrels charred at the heaviest — and most expensive — level, which drives deep caramelization into the wood and intensifies color, sweetness, and tannic structure.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with toffee and molasses, followed by nougat and ripe clementine peel. Dusty grain, cocoa powder, and a wisp of dried mint emerge as the bourbon breathes.

Taste: The entry is bold and crisp, immediately coating the palate with rye spice, white pepper, and bright orange zest. Mid-palate, warming notes build into layers of toffee, vanilla, and date. Candy corn sweetness balances against cocoa, mossy undertones, and subtle herbaceous complexity.

Finish: The finish is exceptionally long, with toffee and caramel persisting alongside dried tobacco and mature oak. A gentle raisin sweetness lingers at the edges, while a peppery warmth slowly fades.

How to Drink Tradition 14 Year

At 101 proof and 14 years of age, this bourbon rewards patient sipping — pour it neat and let it open for a few minutes, or add a few drops of water to unlock the secondary spice and fruit notes. Its structure also holds up remarkably well in spirit-forward cocktails. An Old Fashioned benefits from the deep toffee and oak backbone. A Boulevardier gains extra dimension from the rye-forward spice and dried-fruit complexity. A Kentucky Mule showcases the white pepper and citrus zest against ginger beer's bite.

Best For

• Gifting a serious bourbon collector who values aged expressions
• Marking a milestone occasion such as a retirement or anniversary
• Side-by-side tastings comparing aged Wild Turkey expressions
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tradition 14 Year taste like? It leads with bold rye spice, white pepper, and orange zest, then shifts into rich toffee, vanilla, and date sweetness. The long finish carries dried tobacco, mature oak, and lingering caramel.

How does Tradition 14 Year compare to the Wild Turkey Master Distiller Selection 14 Year? Both are 14-year-old Wild Turkey bourbons sharing the same mashbill, but the Master Distiller Selection (a 2006 export release) is widely regarded as one of the greatest Wild Turkey expressions ever produced. Tradition 14 Year occupies a similar flavor territory of deep oak, toffee, and rye spice, though barrel selection differences give each its own character.

Is Tradition 14 Year good for sipping neat? Yes — the 101-proof strength and 14 years of barrel maturation provide enough complexity and texture to reward undiluted, slow sipping. A small addition of water can further open the spice and fruit layers.

Where is Tradition 14 Year made? It is distilled and aged at Austin, Nichols Distilling Co. in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, situated in the heart of bourbon country along the Kentucky River.

What foods pair well with Tradition 14 Year? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and toffee notes. Smoked brisket mirrors the charred-oak depth. Pecan pie echoes the caramel sweetness. Aged cheddar contrasts the rye spice. Crème brûlée aligns with the vanilla and burnt-sugar character.

What sizes does Tradition 14 Year come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Tradition 14 Year worth the price? Tradition 14 Year positions as a premium aged bourbon within the Wild Turkey range, and its Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition supports its standing among well-regarded long-aged Kentucky bourbons — strong value for collectors seeking verified quality at this age tier.

Why Tradition 14 Year?

Fourteen years in heavily charred new American white oak barrels is a significant commitment in bourbon production, and the result here justifies the wait. The Double Gold Medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition confirms what the liquid demonstrates: a richly layered bourbon where toffee, rye spice, dried fruit, and tobacco converge in balance. The lower distillation proof and high-rye mashbill ensure the grain character survives even this extended aging, avoiding the over-oaked flatness that can plague lesser long-aged bourbons. For drinkers seeking a Wild Turkey expression with genuine depth and documentary aging, Tradition 14 Year delivers exactly that pedigree.