Celebrating 70 Years of Bourbon Mastery: Jimmy Russell’s Milestone at Wild Turkey

The legendary Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller at Wild Turkey Distilling Co., celebrates an incredible 70 years with the brand this year. Since stepping foot in the distillery in 1954, Jimmy’s unwavering commitment to crafting bourbon "the right way" has made him a true icon in the spirits industry. To commemorate this milestone, Wild Turkey is releasing a special Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon—a limited-edition 101-proof whiskey.

This bourbon is crafted with Jimmy’s favorite flavors in mind, blending 8- to 9-year-old whiskeys from his most cherished rickhouses. Expect rich aromas of oak, honey, and cinnamon, with notes of butterscotch, dark cherry, and burnt sugar on the palate. Priced at $50, this special edition will be available in select markets globally starting this fall.

As the longest-serving Master Distiller in the world, Jimmy’s impact is unmatched. From introducing innovative whiskeys like Wild Turkey Rare Breed and American Honey to perfecting the beloved Wild Turkey 101, his influence has shaped the bourbon world. In addition to the commemorative bourbon, Wild Turkey honored Jimmy with a portrait by acclaimed photographer Danny Clinch, cementing his legacy as a true rock star of the bourbon world.

As Jimmy says, "I’ve never worked a day in my life. The day I do, I’ll retire. Until then, I’m going to continue making the bourbon I love."