Wild Turkey's history dates back to 1855 when Austin Nichols started selling spirits and wine as a wholesale grocer. The business he started would later own Wild Turkey. In 1940, Wild Turkey Bourbon got its name after a distillery executive shared his bourbon with his pals on a wild turkey hunting trip. Master Distiller Jimmy Russell joined Wild Turkey as the third distiller in the Wild Turkey family, mentored by Bill Hughes (second master distiller) and Ernest W. Ripy (son of the original distiller). Jimmy Russell's son Eddie joined Wild Turkey in 1981 as a relief operator and began to work his way up in the company.
In 2020, Wild Turkey introduced Rare Breed Rye, their premium quality barrel-proof rye. Matthew McConaughey joined the team at Wild Turkey as the Creative Director in 2016 and fit right in. Rare Breed Rye was crafted in one of the few distilleries specialized in making rye whiskey. Rare Breed Rye uses non-chilled rye when blended with their other ingredients. Rare Breed Rye won a Gold Medal at the New York International Spirits Competition in 2020 with 95 Points, cementing its place as a top-tier rye whiskey.