W.B. Saffell Bourbon 375ML

W.B. Saffell Bourbon 375ML is a non-chill filtered Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 107 proof (53.5% ABV) in a 375ml half-bottle format. Scored 91 points by Whisky Advocate, this expression blends 6, 8, 10, and 12-year-old bourbons curated by Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell as part of Campari's Whiskey Barons Collection — a series honoring pre-Prohibition bourbon pioneers.

Quick Facts: ABV: 53.5% (107 proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Blend of 6, 8, 10 & 12-Year Bourbons  |  Distillery: Wild Turkey

Production & Heritage

W.B. Saffell is distilled at the Wild Turkey distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, using the house mashbill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. What distinguishes this expression is its multi-age blending approach — Eddie Russell selected barrels aged between six and twelve years to achieve a layered complexity that no single-barrel selection could replicate. The bourbon is bottled non-chill filtered, preserving the full range of barrel-derived oils and flavor compounds that chill filtration typically strips away. The Whiskey Barons Collection itself is a tribute to pre-Prohibition figures who shaped American whiskey, and W.B. Saffell stands alongside Bond & Lillard and Old Ripy as limited offerings in the series.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a dusty spice cabinet quality — cinnamon bark, cracked black pepper, and tobacco leaf layered over a base of creamy vanilla and corn muffin sweetness. Deeper inspection reveals almond butter and a faint nuttiness that grounds the spice.

Taste: The entry is surprisingly approachable for 107 proof, arriving with a creamy mouthfeel and immediate caramel richness. The mid-palate shifts toward fresh cracked pepper and barrel spice, with old wood tannins and dark chocolate adding structure. Notes of cherry, cola, and pomegranate syrup emerge as the bourbon warms across the tongue.

Finish: The finish is medium-long with a slightly drying oak character and lingering cinnamon spice. A humidor-like quality persists alongside hints of nutmeg and clove, leaving a warm, resinous close.

How to Drink W.B. Saffell

Neat or with a few drops of water is the ideal serve — the non-chill filtered body rewards patient sipping, and a splash of water opens up the sweeter vanilla and fruit notes hiding beneath the barrel proof intensity. For cocktails, the 107-proof backbone holds its ground: try it in an Old Fashioned, where the dark chocolate and cherry notes align naturally with bitters and sugar; a Boulevardier, where the bourbon's spice and oak cut through sweet vermouth and Campari; or a Kentucky Mule, where the corn sweetness and pepper spice play well against ginger beer's bite.

Best For

• Exploring barrel-proof bourbon without committing to a full 750ml bottle
• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who appreciates Wild Turkey's distilling lineage
• Side-by-side tastings comparing multi-age blends against single-barrel releases
• Adding depth to spirit-forward classic cocktails on a home bar

Frequently Asked Questions

What does W.B. Saffell taste like? W.B. Saffell delivers a creamy, spice-driven bourbon profile anchored by caramel, dark chocolate, and old oak, with fresh cracked pepper and cinnamon running through the palate and finish. The non-chill filtered bottling adds a rich, oily texture uncommon at this proof point.

How does W.B. Saffell compare to Wild Turkey Rare Breed? Both are barrel-proof, non-chill filtered Kentucky bourbons sharing the same 75/13/12 mashbill, but W.B. Saffell incorporates older stock (up to 12-year barrels) and is blended specifically by Eddie Russell as a limited collection piece, giving it more pronounced old wood character and complexity than the continuously produced Rare Breed.

Is W.B. Saffell good for sipping neat? Absolutely — despite the 107-proof strength, the multi-age blend and non-chill filtration produce a creamy mouthfeel that drinks below its proof. A few drops of water further open the sweeter vanilla and fruit layers.

Where is W.B. Saffell made? W.B. Saffell is produced at the Wild Turkey distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, situated along the Kentucky River in the heart of bourbon country. It is part of Campari Group's Whiskey Barons Collection, which draws exclusively from Wild Turkey's warehoused inventory.

What foods pair well with W.B. Saffell? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the bourbon's barrel char and pepper spice. Dark chocolate truffles echo the cocoa notes on the palate. Aged cheddar or Gruyère mirrors the nutty, caramel qualities. Pecan pie aligns with the corn sweetness and toasted oak. Cinnamon-spiced apple desserts bridge naturally with the finish.

What sizes does W.B. Saffell come in? W.B. Saffell is available in a 375ml bottle, which is the standard format for the Whiskey Barons Collection releases.

Is W.B. Saffell worth the price? W.B. Saffell positions as a premium limited-release bourbon that punches well above typical barrel-proof offerings thanks to its multi-age blend spanning up to 12-year stocks, non-chill filtration, and 91-point rating from Whisky Advocate. The 375ml format also lowers the entry point for those wanting to experience the Whiskey Barons Collection without a full-bottle commitment.

Why W.B. Saffell?

The defining strength of this bourbon is Eddie Russell's blending of four distinct age profiles — 6, 8, 10, and 12-year-old barrels — into a cohesive 107-proof expression that balances youthful corn sweetness against deep, mature oak tannins. Non-chill filtration preserves every bit of that complexity, resulting in a texture and flavor density that earned it a 91-point score from Whisky Advocate. As a Whiskey Barons Collection release, production is limited and not continuously available, giving it a collectible quality beyond its drinking merit. For anyone who appreciates Wild Turkey's robust house style but wants something with more age-driven nuance, W.B. Saffell delivers exactly that.