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American Spirit: Wild Turkey Bourbon from Ripy to Russell
The story of Wild Turkey is in many ways the story of bourbon itself. From the struggles of nineteenth-century immigrants, to the triumphs of the longest-tenured master distiller in the world, a bold, uniquely American spirit emerges. American Wild Turkey Bourbon from Ripy to Russell is a tribute to the perseverance of two families, each perfecting their passion through extraordinary circumstances. It’s a testament to Jimmy Russell and his sixty-five years of unmatched dedication to quality. And much like a glass of fine bourbon, it’s a journey – a personal reflection on something carefully crafted over time. This book is a love letter to Wild Turkey that all bourbon enthusiasts can raise a glass to and enjoy.
- GenresNonfiction
240 pages, Hardcover
Published December 1, 2020
1 person is currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
David Jennings
3 books2 followersDavid Jennings is a devout whiskey enthusiast and Wild Turkey superfan. In 2020, he authored American Spirit: Wild Turkey Bourbon from Ripy to Russell (Mascot Books), the definitive guide to Wild Turkey, its history, brands, and expressions.
David lives in South Carolina with his wife and two children and writes about Wild Turkey bourbon and rye whiskey on his blog, Rare Bird 101.
David lives in South Carolina with his wife and two children and writes about Wild Turkey bourbon and rye whiskey on his blog, Rare Bird 101.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 23, 2025
Kind of lame, but I did get it autographed by Jimmy Russell!
July 3, 2020
Dedicated bourbon aficionados who carry an appreciation for the Wild Turkey brand have likely found themselves visiting the rarebird101.com website on the Internet at some point and time.
Created and maintained by David Jennings, who perhaps rivals the Russell family in his knowledge of Wild Turkey’s history and lore, the website is a compendium of all things related to the distillery and the expressions it has produced,
Jennings recently put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and compiled all of his knowledge into the book “American Spirit: Wild Turkey Bourbon from Ripy to Russell.” The well-written and lavishly-illustrated book is an immersive treat for bourbon lovers and will have you reaching for the nearest Wild Turkey bottle so you can pour a drink and take a sip with each page turn.
Its detailed history begins with the story of James Ripy, a 19th Century bourbon producer who trod the same ground upon which the Wild Turkey distillery stands today, and traces the brand’s evolution through the Austin Nichols years to today. Even changes in barrel proofs and bottle proofs and the reasons behind each are discussed in detail, and, quite frankly, I found them fascinating.
The lasting impact and legacy of the Russell family - Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell, specifically - comprises the heart and soul of the book, and the affection and respect that Jennings feels for these men is evident on every page.
In addition to the story of Wild Turkey and the individuals who created it, which fills roughly half of the book, another section discusses each bourbon expression ever produced by the distillery - both current and discontinued, and domestic and international - in detail.
Jennings provides a history of the development of each expression and also includes his personal tasting notes and assessment. He even details how the Austin Nichols Wild Turkey bourbon produced in the 1980s differs in taste and sensory aspects from the same Wild Turkey being produced today.
Archival photos peppered throughout are accompanied by contemporary prints of various Wild Turkey bottlings, decanters, memorabilia, and other items, all of which make this book a true work of art.
In fact, if I have one criticism of this book, it is that it should be bigger and bolder. Published as a standard sized softcover, albeit one with thick paper worthy of the outstanding photography it contains, the book should be available in a much larger, hardcover format so that it can be displayed and appreciated on bar tops and coffee tables across the country.
Available online from Mascot Books at wildturkeybook.com for just $19.99 or in electronic format on Kindle and iPad for half the price, this book is a must-buy for anyone who loves bourbon enough to make it this far through the review.
“American Spirit” is an important contribution to the bourbon community and will ensure that the story of Jimmy and Eddie Russell’s impact on the industry will be available to all long after they are gone.
Created and maintained by David Jennings, who perhaps rivals the Russell family in his knowledge of Wild Turkey’s history and lore, the website is a compendium of all things related to the distillery and the expressions it has produced,
Jennings recently put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and compiled all of his knowledge into the book “American Spirit: Wild Turkey Bourbon from Ripy to Russell.” The well-written and lavishly-illustrated book is an immersive treat for bourbon lovers and will have you reaching for the nearest Wild Turkey bottle so you can pour a drink and take a sip with each page turn.
Its detailed history begins with the story of James Ripy, a 19th Century bourbon producer who trod the same ground upon which the Wild Turkey distillery stands today, and traces the brand’s evolution through the Austin Nichols years to today. Even changes in barrel proofs and bottle proofs and the reasons behind each are discussed in detail, and, quite frankly, I found them fascinating.
The lasting impact and legacy of the Russell family - Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell, specifically - comprises the heart and soul of the book, and the affection and respect that Jennings feels for these men is evident on every page.
In addition to the story of Wild Turkey and the individuals who created it, which fills roughly half of the book, another section discusses each bourbon expression ever produced by the distillery - both current and discontinued, and domestic and international - in detail.
Jennings provides a history of the development of each expression and also includes his personal tasting notes and assessment. He even details how the Austin Nichols Wild Turkey bourbon produced in the 1980s differs in taste and sensory aspects from the same Wild Turkey being produced today.
Archival photos peppered throughout are accompanied by contemporary prints of various Wild Turkey bottlings, decanters, memorabilia, and other items, all of which make this book a true work of art.
In fact, if I have one criticism of this book, it is that it should be bigger and bolder. Published as a standard sized softcover, albeit one with thick paper worthy of the outstanding photography it contains, the book should be available in a much larger, hardcover format so that it can be displayed and appreciated on bar tops and coffee tables across the country.
Available online from Mascot Books at wildturkeybook.com for just $19.99 or in electronic format on Kindle and iPad for half the price, this book is a must-buy for anyone who loves bourbon enough to make it this far through the review.
“American Spirit” is an important contribution to the bourbon community and will ensure that the story of Jimmy and Eddie Russell’s impact on the industry will be available to all long after they are gone.
June 20, 2020
Jennings has written the book that bourbon lovers needed. Wild Turkey is the quintessential American whiskey brand... and Jennings tells the story that no other person can.
The book gives an excellent accounting of the evolution of the brand from the days of Austin, Nichols & Co as a grocery wholesalers up to the whiskey deity now known as the Wild Turkey Distillery. Along the way, you’ll learn about all of the people and distillery names that have gotten us to where we are today. Jennings gives an excellent amount of information on the Russell family.
As “the” expert on Wild Turkey, Jennings gives you all of the information you need about all past and current Wild Turkey whiskey expressions.
Jennings addresses the two main myths regarding Wild Turkey. 1. Wild Turkey is a drink for rough-necks. 2. The only exceptional Wild Turkey is a dusty.
Finally, a highly unique portion of the book involves a “conversion chart” to Wild Turkey products for those who are accustomed to drinking specific bottles from other brands. Are you a Basil Hayden drinker? Try this Turkey product...
American Spirit is an extremely well researched and entertaining book. You want this book.
The book gives an excellent accounting of the evolution of the brand from the days of Austin, Nichols & Co as a grocery wholesalers up to the whiskey deity now known as the Wild Turkey Distillery. Along the way, you’ll learn about all of the people and distillery names that have gotten us to where we are today. Jennings gives an excellent amount of information on the Russell family.
As “the” expert on Wild Turkey, Jennings gives you all of the information you need about all past and current Wild Turkey whiskey expressions.
Jennings addresses the two main myths regarding Wild Turkey. 1. Wild Turkey is a drink for rough-necks. 2. The only exceptional Wild Turkey is a dusty.
Finally, a highly unique portion of the book involves a “conversion chart” to Wild Turkey products for those who are accustomed to drinking specific bottles from other brands. Are you a Basil Hayden drinker? Try this Turkey product...
American Spirit is an extremely well researched and entertaining book. You want this book.
July 25, 2023
A book for wild turkey superfans, which I am not. Enjoyable enough but wouldn’t recommend to anyone who isn’t very interested in not just whiskey, but wild turkey specifically. Some great bottle photography if you’re into that.
February 26, 2025
Excellent Book that I recommend to everyone. An indepth look at Wild Turkey and the Russell Family who carries on the tradition of whiskey making. Great photos, whiskey reviews, and cocktail recipes for all adults to enjoy.
September 13, 2021
Solid book, just what I expected from the #1 Wild Turkey super fan. Reads a bit like a blog, which is what you would expect. Good to have on hand for a whiskey nerd.
November 16, 2023
This was clearly a labor of love (and encyclopedic knowledge). Thankfully I have a good Russell’s Reserve pick to pop!
June 4, 2021
I've been into whisky for about 5 years, but only seriously got the last 2.5 years. I started with scotch, and still love a good smoky Isla (Lagavulin 16 is my go-to), but have really grown into bourbon because of price and accessibility.
Kind of. If you're familiar with the secondary market you'll understand what I mean.
Over the last couple of years I've sampled many whiskies and keep coming back to Wild Turkey. As my love for their products has grown, so has my interest in their story.
Queue David Jennings. If there's anything you've ever wondered about Wild Turkey, well, buy this book. Part history, part wiki, all Turkey.
Kind of. If you're familiar with the secondary market you'll understand what I mean.
Over the last couple of years I've sampled many whiskies and keep coming back to Wild Turkey. As my love for their products has grown, so has my interest in their story.
Queue David Jennings. If there's anything you've ever wondered about Wild Turkey, well, buy this book. Part history, part wiki, all Turkey.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews