Wild Turkey discontinued their 80-proof expression in 2011. This change was made to their lineup of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (KSBW) offerings. The decision to discontinue the 80-proof version came as part of a rebranding and restructuring effort by the company.
In 2011, Wild Turkey introduced a new 81-proof expression, which replaced the previous 80-proof version. The new 81-proof bourbon was simply labeled as “Wild Turkey KSBW” and was positioned as the entry-level offering in their range of bourbons. This change was made to better align their product lineup and streamline their offerings.
The decision to discontinue the 80-proof version may have been influenced by a variety of factors. It is common for brands to make adjustments to their product lineup based on market trends, consumer preferences, and internal business strategies. In this case, Wild Turkey likely saw an opportunity to refine their product range and make their offerings more cohesive.
Since 2015, the 81-proof expression has been the sole offering in the Wild Turkey KSBW lineup. This change has been well-received by bourbon enthusiasts, as the 81-proof bourbon still delivers the rich and robust flavor profile that Wild Turkey is known for, while offering a slightly higher proof.
As an avid bourbon enthusiast myself, I have had the opportunity to try both the 80-proof and 81-proof expressions from Wild Turkey. While the 80-proof version had its own unique qualities, I personally found the 81-proof expression to be more satisfying in terms of flavor and depth. The slight increase in proof adds a bit more complexity to the bourbon, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
Wild Turkey discontinued their 80-proof expression in 2011 and replaced it with an 81-proof version. This change was part of a rebranding and restructuring effort, and the 81-proof bourbon has been the sole offering in their KSBW lineup since 2015.