Wild Turkey Longbranch 750ML is an 8-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) and defined by its unique mesquite charcoal filtration. This expression has earned a Double Gold at the New York International Spirits Competition and Gold Medals at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Wine & Spirit Competition, placing it among the most decorated bourbons in Wild Turkey's portfolio.Quick Facts: ABV: 43% (86 Proof) | Origin: Kentucky, USA | Age: 8 Years | Distillery: Wild TurkeyProduction & HeritageWild Turkey's distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, has been producing bourbon for decades and is overseen by Master Distiller Eddie Russell, who continues a family legacy at the brand. Longbranch uses the house mashbill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley, aged for eight years in new, charred American oak barrels. What separates this expression from the rest of the Wild Turkey lineup is a proprietary two-step charcoal filtration: the bourbon passes first through American white oak charcoal, then through Texas mesquite charcoal — a process that tempers the spirit's heat while introducing a faint, distinctive smokiness not found in conventionally filtered bourbon.Tasting NotesAroma: Caramel and vanilla syrup lead immediately, followed by toasted oak and dried fruit. A light toasted graininess and subtle mesquite smoke develop beneath the sweetness, giving the nose an unexpected savory depth.Taste: The entry is smooth and honeyed, with caramel and ripe pear coating the palate. At mid-palate, citrus zest and baking spices emerge alongside roasted nuts, while the rye component provides a gentle peppery structure. The 86-proof bottling keeps everything approachable without sacrificing complexity.Finish: Medium in length, the finish delivers soft toasted oak and buttery vanilla with a lingering whisper of mesquite smoke. A gentle pepper note and light spice linger as the warmth fades evenly.How to Drink LongbranchNeat or with a single ice cube is the ideal starting point — the lower proof and charcoal filtration already yield a smooth, open character that doesn't require much dilution. A splash of water can further coax out the dried fruit and citrus notes. Old Fashioned: The caramel sweetness and mesquite undertones pair naturally with bitters and orange peel, adding smokiness not typical in a standard Old Fashioned. Whiskey Sour: The honeyed oak and citrus-forward palate integrate cleanly with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. Boulevardier: Longbranch's subtle smoke and vanilla backbone stand up well to sweet vermouth and Campari without being overpowered. Best For Introducing a bourbon newcomer to sipping whiskey neat Adding a smoky twist to classic bourbon cocktails at home Gifting a Wild Turkey fan looking for something beyond the core range Summertime bourbon drinking when higher-proof options feel too heavy Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Longbranch taste like? Longbranch delivers a smooth, caramel-and-vanilla profile with citrus zest, roasted nuts, and baking spices, finishing with a subtle mesquite smokiness and gentle pepper. It drinks noticeably smoother than most 8-year bourbons due to its double charcoal filtration.How does Longbranch compare to Woodford Reserve? Both target the accessible premium bourbon segment, but Longbranch leans into a softer, slightly smoky character from its mesquite filtration, while Woodford Reserve emphasizes a richer, grain-forward and fruit-driven profile from its pot-still distillation. Longbranch is slightly lower in proof at 86 compared to Woodford Reserve's 90.4.Is Longbranch good for sipping neat? Yes — the 86-proof bottling and double charcoal filtration produce a bourbon that is smooth and easy to drink without water or ice. It is one of the more approachable expressions in the Wild Turkey family for neat sipping.Where is Longbranch made? Longbranch is produced at the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The bourbon is aged on-site in Kentucky and undergoes its distinctive mesquite charcoal filtration using wood sourced from Texas.What foods pair well with Longbranch? Smoked brisket or barbecue ribs complement the mesquite undertones directly. Pecan pie or bread pudding mirror the caramel and vanilla notes. Aged cheddar or gouda highlight the toasted oak character. Grilled peaches with honey echo the fruit and sweetness on the palate.What sizes does Longbranch come in? Longbranch is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle size.Is Longbranch worth the price? Longbranch positions as a premium expression within the Wild Turkey range, sitting above the standard 101 and below limited-edition releases. Its eight-year age statement and unique dual-charcoal filtration process deliver strong value for a bourbon at this tier, especially given its consistent award recognition.Why Longbranch?The two-step charcoal filtration — American white oak followed by Texas mesquite — is genuinely unusual in bourbon production and gives Longbranch a flavor profile that doesn't neatly fit into existing categories. That subtle smokiness is not the heavy char of a peated whisky or the Lincoln County process of Tennessee whiskey; it occupies its own lane. With a Double Gold from the New York International Spirits Competition and Gold Medals from the SFWSC and IWSC backing it up, the liquid has repeatedly proven itself to panels of professional judges. For drinkers who appreciate Wild Turkey's robust mashbill but want something smoother and more nuanced, Longbranch fills that gap convincingly.
