A Shot of Brandi

For those of you who have never had the pleasure of visiting the Bonkowski residence, you would know that I live off of a major “route” that goes through Robinson Township. However, while the area may be a little busy, we have a little turkey problem in our hood. Because they are building more houses and tearing down woods, the turkeys roam my yard – they’ve even chilled out on our porch.

Since Thanksgiving is one week away I thought I would salute our unofficial “pets” by dedicating this Thirsty Thursday to Wild Turkey.

Wild Turkey is a Kentucky Bourbon owned by spirits giant Pernod Ricard.

Also known as “The Dirty Bird,” “Gobble Gobble,” “Thunder Chicken,” and “The Kickin’ Chicken,” the Wild Turkey line features a few varities that are over 80 proof – the standard for a Kentucky Bourbon.

Some other facts about Wild Turkey:
- The original distillery was built in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky by the Ripy Brothers in 1905.Of course the distillery shut down for a brief time during prohibition, but stared rolling right after the repeal.
- Wild Turkey was bought out in 1971 by the Austin, Nichols Distilling Co. who then sold it nine years later to Pernod.
- In 1940, Thomas McCarthy took some samples of the bourbon with him on a turkey hunting trip. The following year, his friends asked for “some of that wild turkey whiskey,” and the name of the brand was born.
- Is always aged in new white oak barrels. By using new wood means the bourbon draws in tastes of vanilla and caramel while aging making those its predominant characteristics.
- Bourbon standards in the United States allow distillers to add artificial coloring, but Wild Turkey chooses not to.

While most recipes containing Wild Turkey are really manly (i.e. Three Wise Men Go Hunting), but below you may want to test these two cocktails the night before Thanksgiving (or as some jagoffs call it “Wild Wednesday”).

Thanksgiving Cocktail1/2 oz. Brandy, apple
1 1/2 oz. Wild Turkey
4 oz. Cranberry Juice
1 tsp. Lime Juice
1 wedge Lime
Build over ice in a Collins glass. Garnish with a lime wedge

Fuzzy Blue Gobbler1 part Curacao, blue
1 part Schnapps, peach
1 part Wild Turkey
Shake everything with ice; strain into a cocktail glass

Cheers!

(sources: wikipedia, wildturkeybourbon.com, drinknation.com)