Who Owns Wild Turkey Distillery?
Wild Turkey Distillery, the renowned producer of premium bourbon, is currently owned by Campari Group, an Italian spirits giant Campari acquired the Wild Turkey brand and distillery in 2009, adding the iconic bourbon to its impressive portfolio of alcoholic beverages.
A Rich History of Bourbon Craftsmanship
The Wild Turkey story began in 1855 when wholesale grocer Austin Nichols started selling wine and spirits. This business venture eventually led to the acquisition and ownership of Wild Turkey. In 1869 the Ripy brothers established their family distillery on Wild Turkey Hill in Lawrenceburg Kentucky, laying the foundation for the bourbon’s legacy.
The Ripy brothers’ bourbon gained recognition at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, Illinois, representing Kentucky’s finest spirits. In 1940, the bourbon received its iconic name “Wild Turkey” after a distillery executive shared it with friends during an annual hunting trip.
The Russell Effect: A Legacy of Master Distillers
In 1954, Master Distiller Jimmy Russell joined Wild Turkey, becoming the third in a line of master distillers for the brand. Under his leadership, Wild Turkey introduced several groundbreaking innovations, including the world’s first bourbon liqueur in 1976 and the premium Rare Breed bourbon in 1991.
Eddie Russell, Jimmy’s son, joined Wild Turkey in 1981 and eventually became a Master Distiller in 2015, continuing in his father’s footsteps. As the only father and son team of Master Distillers still in operation in the world, they solidified their legacy in Bourbon history together.
Campari’s Acquisition: Expanding the Wild Turkey Legacy
2009 saw Campari acquire Wild Turkey, which was a big turning point for the company. Recognizing Wild Turkey’s enormous potential and rich history, the Italian spirits giant set out to broaden its global presence and introduce the beloved bourbon to a larger consumer base.
In 2022, Campari further strengthened its commitment to the bourbon market by acquiring a majority stake in Wilderness Trail Distillery, another renowned Kentucky bourbon producer. This strategic move demonstrates Campari’s dedication to expanding its bourbon portfolio and solidifying its position as a major player in the American whiskey industry.
Wild Turkey Today: A Global Icon
A popular and well-respected bourbon brand even today, Wild Turkey is known for its unwavering dedication to quality, tradition, and innovation. The distillery is still producing a variety of bourbons, ranging from the limited-edition Master’s Keep collection to the iconic Wild Turkey 101.
Wild Turkey’s global presence has grown significantly under Campari’s ownership, with the bourbon now enjoyed in over 100 countries worldwide. The brand’s popularity continues to soar, fueled by its exceptional taste, rich history, and dedication to the art of bourbon-making.
Wild Turkey Distillery’s story is a testament to the enduring legacy of American bourbon. From its humble beginnings in Kentucky to its global recognition today, the brand has remained true to its core values of quality, tradition, and innovation.
With Campari’s continued support and the expertise of the Russell family, Wild Turkey is poised for continued success in the years to come. The brand’s commitment to excellence ensures that bourbon enthusiasts worldwide will continue to enjoy the unique and flavorful experience that only Wild Turkey can offer.
THE MAN BEHIND THE BOURBON
How one man’s spirit inspired a legend.
Dubbed the “Buddha of Bourbon” and “The Master Distiller’s Master Distiller” by his industry peers, James C. “Jimmy” Russell knows bourbon like he knows breathing. Russell has been producing whiskey at the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, for an incredible sixty years. He is currently the world’s longest-tenured Master Distiller. Raised five miles from the distillery, he watched his father teach him the traditions and techniques of bourbon craftsmanship. Jimmy’s first job was sweeping floors at the distillery, which taught him early on that no task was too small or too tedious when it came to crafting bourbon the old-fashioned way.
Jimmy studied under famous whiskey makers like Bill Hughes, the second Master Distiller of Wild Turkey, and Ernest W. Due to his love of bourbon Ripy, Jr. , great-grandson of distillery founder James Ripy, Wild Turkey’s third Master Distiller. As if his unparalleled training wasn’t enough, he also benefited from his family history and broad knowledge of bourbon, which helped him reach the peak of his career as a Master Distiller in the 1960s. Jimmy joins a select group of Kentucky bourbon enthusiasts as a judge for whiskey in the International Wine and Spirits Competition and as a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of FameTM. His expertise, perception, and carefully guarded, time-tested bourbon-making methods have solidified his stellar reputation and are apparent in every bottle of Wild Turkey Bourbon. He continues to be involved in every stage of the distillation and aging process.
Throughout the past 60 years, Jimmy has led the launch of multiple new Wild Turkey expressions, such as Russell’s Reserve, American Spirit, Kentucky Spirit, Tradition, Tribute, and Rare Breed, all of which he co-developed with his son and distilling partner Eddie Russell. Jimmy broke new ground in 1976 with the first honeyed Bourbon, at the time called Wild Turkey Liqueur. Today, fans know the evolution of that product as American Honey. Jimmy is also in charge of overseeing the development of Wild Turkey 101, the company’s flagship product, to make sure that Wild Turkey’s legacy lives on.
In honor of Jimmy Russell’s 60 years of service, the Wild Turkey family proclaimed 2014 to be “The Year of Jimmy Russell.” Family, prominent members of the bourbon industry, and local and federal politicians bestowed numerous honors and accolades upon this occasion. Notably, Representative Kim King and Senator Julian Carroll of Kentucky sponsored a resolution in the Kentucky General Assembly that was identical to Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky’s preservation of Jimmy’s accomplishments in the US Congressional Record. Jimmy was also granted a Lifetime Honorary Membership to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board of Directors, a distinction that in the 134-year history of the organization has only been awarded to five other individuals.
Though these honors are significant, the most heartfelt recognition came from Jimmy’s son Eddie Russell, a fellow member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame. In remembrance of his father, Eddie created Wild Turkey Diamond Anniversary, a wonderful limited-edition blend of whiskies aged 13 and 16. When Jimmy isn’t working at the distillery or touring the nation praising suitable aging techniques and grain selection, he typically sip his preferred bourbon neat or combined with a tiny bit of branch water. In addition, he enjoys spending time at home with his spouse Joretta, whom he got to know before starting work at Wild Turkey. They have three children – Eddie, Mike and Kathy; six grandchildren; and one great grandchild. Jimmy has always been a devoted supporter of Anderson County High School’s boys’ and girls’ sports departments. He is a true Kentuckian and an avid sports fan.
The iconic American whiskey Wild Turkey 101 is the product of one man’s decades-long labor.
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