Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell 70th Anniversary Release

70th Anniversary. Jimmy Russell. Wild Turkey — a commemorative release honoring Jimmy Russell’s 70 years as master distiller at Wild Turkey, celebrating one of the most extraordinary tenures in American whiskey history from the man who has been the soul of the Lawrenceburg distillery since 1954.

Jimmy Russell began working at Wild Turkey in 1954 and has been master distiller since 1967 — making him the longest-serving active master distiller in American whiskey. His 70-year tenure spans the full arc of American bourbon history: from the pre-revival era of the 1950s and 1960s through the dark years of the 1980s, the craft revival of the 1990s, and the modern allocation era. No other living figure has watched and shaped Kentucky bourbon for as long.

The 70th Anniversary release is the most direct personal tribute to Jimmy Russell that Wild Turkey has ever produced — a rare expression that honors the man rather than a production technique or aging milestone.

Specs

• Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Release: Jimmy Russell 70th Anniversary
• Size: 750ml

Browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long has Jimmy Russell been at Wild Turkey? Since 1954 — over 70 years, making him the longest-serving active master distiller in American whiskey. He has been master distiller specifically since 1967.
• Is his son Eddie Russell also involved? Yes — Eddie Russell joined Wild Turkey in 1981 and is now co-master distiller alongside Jimmy. Together they represent the most celebrated father-son distilling partnership in American bourbon.