Wild Turkey’s history is closely tied to the heart of Kentucky bourbon. The brand traces its roots to the Ripy family distillery, founded in 1869, before the Wild Turkey name was introduced in 1940. Over generations, the Russell family helped shape its identity, with Master Distillers Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie Russell carrying forward a remarkable legacy of traditional bourbon craftsmanship. Today, Wild Turkey remains recognised for its enduring Kentucky heritage and generations of family-led distilling.