This brand got its name in 1940 after a distillery executive took friends on a hunting trip

The clue for Tuesday’s Final Jeopardy was: “This brand got its name in 1940 after a distillery executive took friends on a hunting trip.”

What is Wild Turkey?

The answer to this clue is Wild Turkey, the well-known bourbon whiskey brand. The story behind its name dates back to 1940, when Thomas McCarthy, an executive at Austin Nichols Distilling Company, took several friends on an annual wild turkey hunting trip. During the outing, McCarthy brought along a sample of the company’s bourbon for the group to enjoy. The whiskey was so popular among his companions that they later began asking him for more of “that wild turkey bourbon.” The nickname stuck, and soon after, the company officially adopted “Wild Turkey” as the brand’s name.

Origins of Wild Turkey Bourbon

The roots of Wild Turkey bourbon stretch back to the 19th century. Although the brand name was established in 1940, the distillery’s operations date to the 1860s in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The Austin Nichols company served as a distributor before eventually becoming more deeply involved in bourbon production. The Wild Turkey brand emerged during a period when bourbon was gaining cultural prominence in America, aligning its rugged image with the outdoor spirit of hunting and camaraderie.

The timing of the brand’s creation also reflected a key moment in bourbon history. With Prohibition long over and American distillers reestablishing their identities, Wild Turkey found a niche that combined authenticity with a strong sense of tradition. Its name and origin story helped distinguish it from competitors, giving it a recognizable and memorable identity.

Building a Legacy in the Bourbon Industry

Following its naming in 1940, Wild Turkey steadily grew in reputation for its high-proof, full-bodied flavor. Under the guidance of legendary master distillers such as Jimmy Russell, who joined the company in the 1950s, the brand became synonymous with craftsmanship and consistency. Russell’s decades of experience helped shape the whiskey’s distinct taste, characterized by bold spice and rich caramel notes.

Wild Turkey’s marketing also leaned heavily into its heritage, evoking themes of strength, nature, and authenticity. The association with hunting and the outdoors remained central to its image, reinforcing the idea that Wild Turkey was a bourbon for people who valued tradition and straightforward quality.

Cultural Impact and Enduring Popularity

Over time, Wild Turkey became a cultural icon, appearing in music, film, and popular literature as a symbol of American ruggedness. It maintained a loyal following among bourbon enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, thanks to its consistent production standards and old-fashioned approach to whiskey-making. The brand’s distinctive name continued to serve as a conversation starter, often prompting retellings of its unique origin story.

Even as global trends in spirits evolved, Wild Turkey remained committed to its roots. The brand embraced modernization in production and marketing while holding firm to the craftsmanship that defined its early decades. This balance of heritage and innovation kept it relevant to new generations of bourbon drinkers.

A Brand Born from Friendship and Tradition

The story of Wild Turkey’s naming highlights how a simple moment among friends can inspire an enduring brand legacy. A casual hunting trip turned into a defining chapter in American whiskey history, linking camaraderie, craftsmanship, and storytelling in a single brand name. Today, Wild Turkey stands not only as a respected bourbon but as a reminder of how tradition and authenticity continue to shape the best-known names in the spirits world.