Wild Turkey's Austin Nichols Archives Collection Debuts Tribute To The Legendary Gold Foil

Wild Turkey has debuted the Austin Nichols Archives Collection, marking the first limited-edition series spearheaded by associate master blender Bruce Russell.

Following the conclusion of the brand’s Master’s Keep series last year, the new annual limited series is said to pay tribute to some of the most sought-after vintage bottles in Wild Turkey’s rich history.

The inaugural release, dubbed the Gold Foil Edition, is a 16-year-old Kentucky straight Bourbon crafted to honor a legendary Wild Turkey vintage from the ’80s and ’90s that fans affectionately call "Cheesy Gold Foil."

The Gold Foil Edition was created using a longer ageing process and boasts a higher proof at 60% ABV, and was created from barrels sourced from the Wild Turkey F, D and E rickhouses located at Camp Nelson.

It is said to present the distillery’s signature funk, dark fruit, and mature oak, along with  notes of cherry cola, clove, and dark honey. The finish should have flavors of peppery spice, brown sugar, and leather.

The vintage-inspired packaging honors Wild Turkey's roots with an autumn hunting scene on the canister, a gold-foiled interior, and a retro replica label. Keeping with the theme, each release in the collection will also feature a unique hidden Easter egg.

The expression is also the first Wild Turkey Series led by associate master blender Bruce, a third-generation Russell family member. He had reportedly conceived the series more than a decade ago to honour his grandfather, Jimmy Russell. 

Russell aimed to modernize beloved classic bottlings while honoring Wild Turkey’s traditional craftsmanship. The Gold Foil Edition celebrates the "Glut Era"—a period of low demand and high inventory when Master Distiller Jimmy Russell blended older barrels into standard releases, yielding expressions known for their exceptional depth and a distinct mature oak funk.

Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives Gold Foil Edition is available in limited quantities in select markets with an MSRP of US$400.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team