Longbranch Bourbon Review
By: April Manning
Grade: B-
(Credit: Wild Turkey)
Wild Turkey carried out an unprecedented act (for their own distillery, not the wider industry) when they produced a bottle that carries a name of someone other than that of the Russells, their recently confirmed dynasty of master distillers. Eddie Russell collaborated with the Wild Turkey brand creative director, movie star Matthew McConaughey, and crafted a new bourbon to continue their mission of reestablishing Wild Turkey as a “barroom name.” The bourbon that resulted of this partnership is Wild Turkey Longbranch.
The name comes from referencing the hand which one extends to invite a friend into their family. These friends are the longest branches of one’s family tree. In the case of the Russells and McConaughey, the branch stretched all the way from Kentucky, through McConaughey’s parents’ alma mater, to Texas where Eddie Russell’s youngest son now presides in Matthew’s hometown of Austin.
Concocting this unique spirit took two years of note swapping and testing to create the process that results in allowing Longbranch to fork into its own bough in the Wild Turkey family tree. Two filtration processes are used, starting with charcoal from American White Oak and finishing with charcoal from Texas mesquite wood which gives the bourbon a hint of smoke.
The Bourbon
Wild Turkey Longbranch is made with eight year old Wild Turkey Bourbon at 86 proof (43% ABV). First glance tells the trained eye that this wheat-colored bourbon is not the richer, deep amber that fans of the 101 proof associate with the brand.
There is the familiar scent of spicy vanilla, however the fragrance of Longbranch seems to be rather delicate. There are secondary notes of leather and mellow smoke that drift in after being allowed to breathe. This subtleness continues into the flavor, where you will find caramel swirling along with the vanilla and it finishes with a biting note of the toasted oak barrel.
This bourbon can be enjoyed neat by those that are more into the “softer” bourbons. I found that it makes for a brilliant mixer and have enjoyed Manhattan’s made with this spirit.
The Price
Officially, this is $39.99.
It is certainly softer than the flagship 101 as the color clearly shows. I agree with the B and am hoping the – is simply due to the double digit proof.
I agree with the B, few double digit proof bourbons should ever be given an A rating.
What if I got it at Walgreens on sale for $32; would it still be a B-?
The rule here is to not let price factor into grading. So it should be a B- if it cost $20 or $200.
The only bourbon I think is absolutely amazing drank straight. Don’t ruin it with a mixer, this one’s all alone .