Exploring the Legacy: The Wild Turkey Master's Keep Collection
Wild Turkey is a name that resonates deeply within the realm of bourbon aficionados. Renowned for its rich history, commitment to tradition, and unparalleled craftsmanship, the distillery has consistently delivered exceptional spirits over the years. One of its most esteemed series, the Wild Turkey Master's Keep Collection, stands as a testament to the brand's dedication to excellence and innovation. It took me a little over 6 years to accumulate the entire series, but the hunt was definitely worth it! Let's embark on a journey through the releases that have defined this collection, each one a tribute to the artistry of bourbon-making.
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep US releases. Why the gap? In 2016, Wild Turkey released Master’s Keep 1894, a New Zealand & Australia only release.
Master's Keep 17 Year
Wild Turkey Master's Keep 17 Year, a tribute to the aging process and the profound impact it has on bourbon. This expression, aged for 17 years in brick and wooden rickhouses, boasted a deep amber hue and a rich, full-bodied flavor profile. With its nuances of toasted oak, caramelized sugar, sweet tobacco, and dark chocolate, Master's Keep 17 Year exemplified the pinnacle of aging mastery.
Release Date: August 2015
Proof: 86.8
Age: 17 Years
Mashbill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
MSRP: $150
Secondary Price: $235
Master's Keep Decades
Master's Keep Decades, a blend of bourbons aged for 10 to 20 years, expertly curated by Eddie Russell. This release celebrated the art of blending, resulting in a harmonious marriage of flavors that danced on the palate. From its layers of sweet caramel, faint cherry, and hints of baking spices to its lingering finish of oak and tobacco, Master's Keep Decades represents the depth and complexity that can only come from years of aging.
Release Date: February 2017
Proof: 104
Age: blend of barrels aged between 10 and 20 years
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
MSRP: $150
Secondary Price: $290
Master's Keep Revival
With Master's Keep Revival, Wild Turkey paid homage to its iconic Sherry cask-finished bourbon which was released in 2000. This release featured a blend of bourbons aged between 12 and 15 years, finished in Oloroso Sherry casks for an additional year. The result was a whiskey of remarkable complexity, with notes of dried fruit, baking spices, and a subtle hint of Sherry sweetness. Master's Keep Revival was a testament to the brand's ability to innovate while staying true to its roots.
Release Date: June 2018
Proof: 101
Age: blend of barrels aged between 12-15 years (finished in 20-year-old Sherry Casks)
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
MSRP: $150
Secondary Price: $200
Master's Keep Cornerstone
In 2019, Wild Turkey unveiled Master's Keep Cornerstone, a release that exemplified the artistry and expertise of the Russell family. This expression highlighted a rare blend of rye whiskey aged between nine and 11 years, culminating in a whiskey of unparalleled depth and character. The nose starts with honey and piney oak aromas along with hints of citrus, then the first taste is intricate layers of baked green apples, toasted nuts, and baking spice. Master's Keep Cornerstone will leave a lasting impression on whiskey enthusiasts.
Release Date: August 2019
Proof: 109 (Cask Strength)
Age: blend of barrels aged 9-11 years
Mash Bill: 52% Rye, 36% Corn, 12% Malted Barley
MSRP: $175
Secondary Price: $240
Master's Keep Bottled in Bond
Master's Keep Bottled in Bond, a nod to the historic Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. Crafted according to strict regulations, the bourbon must be the product of one distilling season from one distillery, aged in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at a strict 100 proof. This bourbon, hand selected by Eddie Russel, was aged 17 years, and appropriately placed in the Master’s Keep collection. With its bold flavor profile, featuring notes of black cherry, toasted oak, and a hint of peppery spice, Master's Keep Bottled in Bond paid homage to bourbon's storied past while embracing the legacy of whiskey mastery.
Release Date: June 2020
Proof: 100
Age: 17-year-old bourbon
Mash Bill: N/A
Allocation: 14,400 bottles
MSRP: $175
Secondary Price: $330
Master's Keep One
Master's Keep One showcases a blend of 9 to10 year-old barrels with 14-year, meticulously crafted by Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey's esteemed Master Distiller. The blend then matured together in a new oak barrel. With its complex layers of flavor, including notes of toasted marshmallow, creme brulé, and charred oak, Master's Keep One will not easily be forgotten.
Release Date: September 2021
Proof: 101 proof
Age: 9–10-year barrels blended with 14-year barrels
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
MSRP: $175
Secondary Price: $360
Master's Keep Unforgotten
Following the success of its 2010 inspiration Forgotten, Master's Keep Unforgotten pays homage to the distillery's first blend of bourbon and rye whiskeys. The result is a remarkably smooth and well-balanced whiskey, with hints of citrus, leather, and butterscotch on the nose and bold flavors of grilled green apples, strong oak, and hints of spearmint, capturing the essence of time and tradition.
Release Date: October 2022
Proof: 105 proof
Age: blend of 13-year-old bourbon and 8 & 9-year-old rye
MSRP: $200
Secondary Price: $315
Master's Keep Voyage
The latest addition to the collection, Master's Keep Voyage, is an expression of 10-year-old bourbon finished in Jamaican rum casks, a historic milestone in Wild Turkey’s story. The result is a whiskey with a bold and robust flavor profile, featuring notes of caramelized oak, vanilla, and spice cake, traditionally found in bourbon, layered with subtle tropical flavors drawn from the rum influence. Master's Keep Voyage invited drinkers to embark on a sensory voyage unlike any other, capturing the spirit of adventure and exploration.
Release Date: July 2023
Proof: 106
Age: 10-year-old bourbon (finished in Jamaican rum casks)
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
MSRP: $275 (2023)
Secondary Price: $300
The Wild Turkey Master's Keep Collection stands as a testament to the brand's legacy of excellence and innovation in bourbon-making. Each release within this esteemed series has pushed the boundaries of flavor and craftsmanship, offering whiskey enthusiasts an unparalleled tasting experience. From the inaugural 17-year expression to the latest Voyage, this collection is a celebration of tradition, ingenuity, and the enduring spirit of Wild Turkey. As we raise our glasses to toast these remarkable drams, we are reminded of the timeless artistry that defines the world of whiskey. Cheers to the journey and may the legacy of the Master's Keep Collection continue to inspire and delight for generations to come.