All the Gifts to Get the Bourbon Lover in Your Life

As November approaches, our thoughts turn to turkey — and not just for Thanksgiving dinner.

With a history that dates as far back as 1867, Wild Turkey ranks among Kentucky’s oldest distilleries. This iconic American brand got its name after a distillery executive shared his bourbon with friends on an annual hunting trip for — you guessed it — wild turkeys.

Today, the award-winning bourbon is still made with the original recipe and distilled at a low proof to retain more of the grain’s natural flavor. It is then matured in charred #4 oak barrels in a warehouse in Lawrenceburg on the Kentucky River. 

The time-honored tradition runs in Master Distiller Eddie Russell’s DNA. He learned the craft from his father, the legendary Jimmy Russell, who at age 90 has worked at Wild Turkey for seven decades and counting, and proudly hasn’t changed anything about the process. Eddie’s son, Bruce, is now the Associate Master Blender, continuing the legacy into the next generation.

That’s why when it comes to holiday gifting for the whiskey drinker in your life, you can’t go wrong with Wild Turkey. But which expression to choose? Our gift guide has you covered for any festive occasion. 

For the Trendsetter: Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon

For the friend or family member who watches hours of whiskey reviews on YouTube and already has many shelves stocked with rare bottles, you’ll need something that will really wow them. Meet the Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon.

As of April 2025, Wild Turkey officially brought back the 8-year as a permanent pillar of its lineup for $45 MSRP. The most highly anticipated release out of Lawrenceburg in recent history, this expression represents the crème de la crème — hand-picked barrels of small-batch bourbons crafted by the Russell family are aged a minimum 8 years, then bottled at 101 proof.

What makes 8 the magic number? Jimmy Russell always considered 8 to 9 years in the barrel as the “sweet spot” for achieving Wild Turkey’s signature bold flavor. The advanced years of maturation in the barrel offer a rich, complex sipping experience, best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate the aroma of caramel, roasted nuts, citrus peel, and sweet oak, with flavors of vanilla, clove, toffee, charred oak, and hints of lemon zest and black cherry.

Just as this elegant spirit lingers on the palate, your loved one will appreciate this thoughtful gift long after they pop the cork and take the first sip.

To Impress Your Future In-Laws: Wild Turkey Rare Breed

Your partner is one in a million. Now, you’re preparing to meet their parents and celebrate your first holiday season together. And while we can’t say that bringing a bottle of Wild Turkey Rare Breed will guarantee you make a great first impression, it certainly wouldn’t hurt.

This expression is bottled at barrel proof to fully celebrate all its nuanced flavors and aromas. Thanks to a combination of 6-, 8-, and 12-year-old bourbons selected from the Wild Turkey reserves, this bottle boasts a remarkably rich spirit with hints of charred oak flavor. Rare Breed’s warm, vanilla undertones pair well with small talk by a crackling fire post-dinner.

Bonus: Often available for under $50, this bottle holds its own against any limited-edition offering, but comes at a price that will make your in-laws think you’re smart and sensible.

For the Parents: Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit

If the term “holiday season” for you means a large gathering of aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews, then show some respect to Mom and Dad — with help from a bottle of Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit.

This bourbon is selected from single barrels that are individually chosen by the Russells for their character of rich oak, leather, and a full, round body that is subtly layered with notes of almond and honey. Every bottle bears a label with details about the specific date, warehouse, and rick location handwritten on the label, identifying exactly when and where the barrel was selected.

Just as every family is made up of individuals with their own personalities and stories to share, so does every bottle of Kentucky Spirit.

For the Impromptu Guest: Wild Turkey 101

Even if the invite comes through last minute for an impromptu Friendsgiving, or to be a plus-one to a corporate holiday bash, you don’t want to show up to the party empty-handed. Pick up the tried-and-true Wild Turkey 101 — a no-brainer that is easy to find and reasonably priced at around $25 to $30 for a 750-milliliter bottle.

A classic for a reason, this iconic bourbon benefits from the Russells’ time-honored bourbon-making traditions and is aged between 6 and 8 years. The high-rye mash bill lends to the bold, signature flavor that makes this whiskey work beautifully in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, or sip well on its own. Expect a hint of sweet baking spices on the tongue and subtle aromas of vanilla and cinnamon. It might even land an invite on the A list for next year.

This article is sponsored by Wild Turkey.

The article All the Gifts to Get the Bourbon Lover in Your Life appeared first on VinePair.