Review: Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives Collection Gold Foil Edition
Bourbon nerds love to wax poetic about a specific release of Wild Turkey from the 1980s and ’90s, affectionately called “Cheesy Gold Foil” because of its gaudy gold label, one which was clearly trying much too hard for an otherwise straightforward 12 year old release. (That said, Eddie Russell has reportedly stated that the release has always been a personal fave.)
Now, Wild Turkey is paying homage to that classic release with the launch of a new collection called the Austin Nichols Archives Collection, “a new limited-edition annual series commemorating some of the most coveted vintage bottles in Wild Turkey’s storied history.” This is apparently the beginning of the next leg of Wild Turkey’s limited edition runs following the conclusion of the Master’s Keep series.
The first in the series, Gold Foil Edition, honors the original, though the bottle design isn’t nearly so cheesy and the age is extended to 16 years, more fitting of the special edition treatment in 2026. Bottled at 120 proof, it’s also considerably hotter than the 101 proof of the original CGF. Incidentally, it’s also the first release from the distillery to be crafted solely by Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell.
Here’s a little extra backstory for you:
Gold Foil Edition pays homage to the exceptional whiskeys that emerged during the so-called “Glut Era,” a period when whiskey fell out of favor and inventories swelled. During that time, Jimmy often blended older barrels into standard bottlings, creating bourbons with remarkable depth, intensity and the distinctive “mature oak funk” that many enthusiasts believe is rarely found in modern releases. To recreate the richness, character, and unmistakable profile of that era, Gold Foil Edition was crafted with a longer aging process and higher proof, allowing Bruce to achieve exactly what he set out to create.
The 16-year-old, non-chill filtered, 120-proof bourbon was crafted from barrels sourced from Wild Turkey’s celebrated Camp Nelson F, D, and E rickhouses.
The packaging is as artful as the bourbon itself. Inspired by vintage advertising and Wild Turkey’s origin story, the canister features an autumnal hunting scene that nods to how the brand got its name. Inside, gold foil lining and a label reminiscent of the original vintage complete the tribute. In a playful touch for devoted fans, each release in the series will include a different hidden Easter egg, beginning with the Gold Foil Edition. As the hunt for vintage bourbons, or “dusties,” continues among enthusiasts, this collection invites fans to create new memories with whiskeys inspired by Wild Turkey’s most iconic releases.
Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives Collection Gold Foil Edition Review
Wild Turkey has never been a shy whiskey in any of its incarnations, and with Gold Foil the full force of well-aged Turkey is in effect. The nose sears with funky mushroom and charred wood notes, leaning heavy into green, grassy elements. Peanuts and corn both make an appearance, coming across as rather scorched or, at least, extremely well-toasted and laced with cracked black pepper.
The palate maintains the theme, with an aggressively savory-funky quality that takes its time to coax out any fruit. What does emerge is quite dark, almost purple, a touch of raisin enhancing harder-edged cherry pits and clove-heavy baking spice. Things get a bit gingery as it develops in glass, that peppery, leathery backbone enduring forever. It perhaps goes without saying that water is a good friend to this whiskey, and a healthy splash tempers the frontier elements to surprisingly good effect. At last, the whiskey’s hidden sweetness becomes evident, with brown sugar, some baked apple, spearmint, and a brighter dusting of cinnamon closing out the finish. Keep a glass of H2O close by — and don’t be fooled into thinking this bourbon is as angry as it feels at first blush.
Or maybe it just needs more cheese.
120 proof.
B+ / $400
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