Wild Turkey (bourbon) facts for kids

Wild Turkey is a well-known brand of a special type of American drink called Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. It is made and bottled by the Austin Nichols division, which is part of the Campari Group.

The Story of Wild Turkey

The first place where this drink was made, called a distillery, was built in Tyrone, Kentucky. This happened in 1869, and it was started by the Ripy brothers. Later, in 1905, the sons of T.B. Ripy opened the Ripy Brothers Distillery.

Making and selling alcoholic drinks was not allowed in the United States for a period called Prohibition. After this time ended, the Ripy family started making their drinks again.

The name 'Wild Turkey' for the brand came about in 1940. A person named Thomas MCarthey, who worked for the distillery, took some of the bourbon with him on a wild turkey hunting trip. People on the trip really liked the drink, and that's how the name 'Wild Turkey' was born.

On April 8, 2009, the brand and its distillery became part of the Campari Group.