THE LEGEND OF WILD TURKEY & THE BOURBON DINNER TO CELEBRATE IT
There are places in Kentucky where the hills roll like old hymns and the air tastes faintly of oak and ambition. And on one of those hills — Wild Turkey Hill — a story was born.
It began in 1869, when the Ripy brothers built a humble distillery overlooking the Kentucky River. There were no marketing teams, no global ambitions — just a family pouring sweat and corn into barrels, trusting time to do the rest. Their bourbon was rich, honest, and unhurried, and even found its way to the 1893 World’s Fair, where it caught the attention of those who understood craftsmanship when they tasted it.
But the legend—the real legend—didn’t come until decades later.
In the fall of 1940, the leaves had just begun to burn red and gold. A man named Thomas McCarthy, an executive at Austin Nichols, gathered his friends for a turkey hunt — a yearly ritual. As tradition dictated, he brought provisions: biscuits, stories, and a special bourbon drawn from private stock.
The morning was crisp. The birds were scarce. The bourbon… wasn’t.
By afternoon, every man in that field had tasted it, and every man felt that unmistakable warmth — the kind that sinks into your bones and makes the world feel just a bit kinder. When the next hunt rolled around, McCarthy’s friends didn’t care about the birds.
They asked only:
“Tom… you bringin’ more of that Wild Turkey bourbon?”
A name. A legend. Born in a single sentence.
From there, Wild Turkey found its spirit-keepers — men whose devotion became as much a part of the bourbon as the grains themselves.
Jimmy Russell arrived in 1954, young and sharp-eyed, with a respect for tradition and an instinct for flavor that couldn’t be taught. Over time he became known as the Buddha of Bourbon, the quiet master whose hands guided every barrel like a promise.
Decades later his son, Eddie Russell, followed. Together they built a dynasty not with fanfare, but with fire, patience, and a refusal to cut corners. Over a century of combined experience — father and son — watching over every drop.
They chose low distillation proofs, because too much purity steals character.
They insisted on the fearsome #4 alligator char, because greatness requires heat and risk.
They filled barrels at 115 proof, far lower than modern producers, because flavor matters more than yield.
They let Kentucky’s wild summers carve their signatures into the wood.
And in that discipline — that defiant commitment — something magic happened.
Wild Turkey stopped being just a bourbon.
It became a story in a bottle.
A story of hunters in autumn fields.
Of river mist creeping over rickhouses.
Of fathers teaching sons, and sons honoring fathers.
Of tradition that refused to bow to trends.
Of a spirit too bold to tame, too honest to polish.
Today, Wild Turkey sits on shelves around the world, but its soul has never left that hill in Lawrenceburg — where barrels breathe with the seasons, and where the Russells still stand guard over a legacy forged in fire, oak, and stubborn Kentucky pride.
Raise a glass, and you’re not just tasting bourbon.
You’re tasting history.
Step into The Chefs Table at Touch of Italy for an evening dedicated to one of America’s most iconic distilleries.
This exclusive dinner celebrates the craftsmanship and legacy behind Wild Turkeys most exceptional releases, curated for true bourbon aficionados.
From the smooth charm of Russell’s Reserve to the rare and highly anticipated Master’s Keep Beacon — already earning whispers as a frontrunner for Bourbon of the Year — you will savor a guided exploration through Wild Turkey’s elite portfolio. Each pour will be enjoyed alongside an inspired five-course menu designed to complement the rich character and bold spirit of these Kentucky legends.
Presented by Chef d’ Cusia Peter Scioli and Whiskey Steward Michael Stanley, this intimate evening brings together two masters of their craft. Chef Scioli, known for his deeply seasonal, ingredient-driven approach, will guide guests through a menu that balances rustic Italian tradition with modern culinary artistry. Meanwhile, Michael Stanley — a respected bourbon educator and passionate student of America’s whiskey heritage — will lead the tasting experience, sharing the stories, nuances, and secrets behind each exceptional Wild Turkey expression. Together, they create a night that’s as rich in knowledge as it is in flavor.
The Bourbon Lineup – Icons of Kentucky Heritage
The spirit of the evening is defined by Wild Turkey, a name synonymous with American bourbon tradition. Guests will savor a curated flight of exceptional releases — each a testament to the mastery and legacy of the Russell family and the legendary Kentucky distillery:
- Master’s Keep Beacon – A rare and radiant expression layered with oak spice, toffee, and a velvety, enduring finish.
- Master’s Keep One – A bold convergence of age and artistry, showcasing deep caramel, toasted nut, and subtle baking spice.
- Wild Turkey 70th Anniversary – A milestone bourbon capturing seven decades of tradition, with elegant notes of tobacco, dark chocolate, and candied citrus.
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year – A cask-strength classic beloved by enthusiasts, brimming with vanilla, leather, and oak-driven depth.
- Russell’s Reserve 8 Year Private Barrel – A one-of-a-kind single-barrel release, chosen for its distinctive character and complexity.
If Bourbon is your passion, or if you just want to start exploring Kentucky’s famed whiskey, you can get your tickets here. 
