Wild Turkey Longbranch Review

About – “8 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon made in small batches and refined with Texas Mesquite and American Oak charcoals. This unique process results in an extraordinarily balanced and smooth sipping whiskey with subtle hints of smoky sweetness.” If you haven’t heard by now this bourbon was crafted as a collaboration between Eddie Russell and Matthew McConaughey, and according to all reports Mcconaughey was very involved in the process. This isn’t just a product with a celebrity name tacked on. Longbranch is available nationwide, bottled at 86 proof and retails for $40.

Nose – It has the typical Turkey calling card of honey covered grain with a slightly smokey backbone running through it, and a bit of pear poking through.

Palate – Interesting… the first thing that comes across for me is apricot and very nice oak character. The longer that it sits on the tongue the smoke from the nose begins to come through. The finish is all oak and smoke and on the short side.

Score – C

Verdict – Underwhelming is the best descriptor for Longbranch. It does have a few unique flavors for a product in the Wild Turkey line, but they come across too lightly. If this was a 100 proof product I get the feeling that it would be a bold and flavorful pour. I assume with the celebrity name it has been proofed down to please the masses. While I do understand that strategy, it doesn’t work for me.