Our Bourbon Comes In Many Breeds

Our master distillers have stayed true to a tradition from before Prohibition.

Our very own Jimmy Russell is the world’s longest-tenured active master distiller. In 2015 his son, Eddie Russell, was named master distiller in his own right after 35 years with Wild Turkey.

Wild Turkey’s very own Jimmy Russell is the longest-tenured active master distiller in the world. For over 60 years, he’s preserved a tradition that dates back generations. The ultimate craftsman and true ambassador for America’s native spirit, he’s even known as the Buddha of Bourbon by some. His legendary status is no surprise, considering that he’s never wavered on quality. And while he claims he’s just “Plain old Jimmy from Kentucky,” within the community of bourbon makers, he’s often called one more thing: “The Master Distiller’s Master Distiller.”

Eddie Russell joined Wild Turkey in 1981, and even as the son of Wild Turkey’s famed master distiller, he started as a relief operator and worked his way up. He was inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2011, he created a new expression of Wild Turkey at 81 proof to be a perfect mixing bourbon: Wild Turkey 81. Most recently, he was promoted to master distiller alongside his dad, making Jimmy and Eddie the only active father and son duo of bourbon master distillers in the world.

Website[www.wildturkeybourbon.com]