Matthew McConaughey & Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey

REAL PEOPLE MAKING REAL WHISKEY

When Wild Turkey began working with Hollywood A-List actor Matthew McConaughey, the idea was to form a genuine collaboration rather than have the star as merely a figure-head for an already well-known brand. Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey’s Master Distiller and industry legend, invited McConaughey to become the brand director in 2016, working behind the camera and in front of it in television commercials to reintroduce the world to Wild Turkey.

Now Matthew McConaughey and Eddie Russell have collaborated to launch Wild Turkey Longbranch, a new bourbon inspired by McConaughey’s Kentucky and Texas roots. The rare small batch Kentucky bourbon is refined with Texas mesquite and oak charcoals – a method that deepens the flavour and complexity of the whiskey. The name is inspired by the friends that form the longest branches of our family trees.

“Longbranch, in its simplest form, is an extended hand, inviting a friend into your family,” McConaughey said. “So the branch that was extended to me from the Russells was a long one, one that reached from Kentucky to Texas and back again. I offered the mesquite from my great state to add to their legendary Kentucky whiskey and together we made Longbranch.”

To create Longbranch’s signature flavour, McConaughey and Russell spent countless hours sharing notes, then perfected a unique process that combines two separate charcoal filtration methods to give Longbranch a smooth and full finish. The first filtration process uses charcoal made from American White Oak and the second uses charcoal made from Texas mesquite wood, giving the bourbon notes of smoky sweetness.

Made with eight-year-old Wild Turkey Bourbon, Longbranch is an exceptional bourbon with a bright gold color and aroma that is a balanced blend of vanilla and spices. Flavours of caramel, pear, and hints of citrus round out the palate. The subtle, smoky finish is buttery smooth, with notes of gentle pepper and toasted oak.

Commenting on the release, Master Distiller Eddie Russell said: “When we were creating Wild Turkey Longbranch, we talked at length about how to make a product that represents elements of both Texas and Kentucky.”

“Our goal was to make a straight bourbon whiskey with a soft sweetness that was still unmistakably Wild Turkey. The result was a bourbon that we both truly enjoy drinking neat, and look forward to sharing with others.”

TALKING TURKEY WITH MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY

explore WHISKY: How involved were you in the creation of Longbranch?

Matthew McConaughey: I was involved every step of the way, from concept to creation. We started working on the project in the spring of 2016. Together, we wanted to make a product that represented both of our home states, Texas and Kentucky. I obviously let Eddie do the bourbon making, and he would constantly send me samples to taste for feedback. I handled the bottle design.

eW: I know you’re in the Wild Turkey commercials. Is Longbranch part of your advertising campaign for the brand?

MM: I’ve been working with Wild Turkey for the past three years. I’m their Creative Director, which means I direct and star in the ad campaign and help them introduce Wild Turkey Bourbon to new audiences. Longbranch is a natural extension to my partnership with the brand. I’ve always wanted to create a bourbon that I could call my favorite and with the help of Eddie Russell, we were able to do just that.

eW: You serve as the Creative Director for the brand, were you involved in creating the creative campaign for the launch?

MM: As a Creative Director for the brand, I help the team at Wild Turkey tell their story and bring my perspective to a variety of creative projects. The launch of Longbranch is no different. I worked with the team to bring Longbranch’s story to life.

eW: Was it always the plan for you to create a bourbon for the brand?

MM: Yes. I am a huge bourbon fan and have so much respect for the Russells and Wild Turkey. Since I joined the Wild Turkey family, I’ve really immersed myself in the world of bourbon, and creating Longbranch with one of the greats, Master Distiller Eddie Russell, was a natural evolution of my work with Wild Turkey.

eW: Why did you initially decide to partner with Wild Turkey?

MM: I visited the Wild Turkey distillery about four years ago and met Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell. When I was there, I learned about the Russell family legacy and the distilling process, but what stuck with me was the incredible story behind the brand, a story that I believe deserves to be told. I was inspired by the passion, character and authenticity. It’s a brand and a family that I truly admire.

eW: Are you getting paid for creating this product?

MM: The creation of Longbranch is part of my partnership with Wild Turkey. I never discuss money, but can say that I have a personal interest in the success of this product

eW: Is Longbranch a limited edition to the Wild Turkey portfolio? How long will Longbranch be on the shelves?

MM: Longbranch is not a limited edition and will be a permanent expression in the Wild Turkey portfolio.