Exploring Wild Turkey’s Master’s Keep Line of Premium Bourbons

As a bourbon enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for interesting, high-quality bourbons that offer a unique tasting experience That’s why I was excited to dive into Wild Turkey’s Master’s Keep line, which features a range of limited-edition bourbons that highlight the distillery’s excellent blending and aging capabilities In this article, I’ll provide an overview of some of the standout releases in the Master’s Keep range.

Wild Turkey launched the Master’s Keep series in 2015 as a showcase for rare and innovative bourbon expressions from its legendary father-son Master Distilling team of Jimmy and Eddie Russell Each Master’s Keep release explores different ages, mash bills, barrel finishes, and other variables to create complex, nuanced bourbons that go beyond Wild Turkey’s core range They are produced in small batches and bottle at a variety of proofs, making each expression a unique addition to any bourbon lover’s shelf.

So far, there have been several memorable Master’s Keep releases, including some aged over 17 years and others featuring finishing in sherry or Jamaican rum casks. Let’s take a closer look at a few of my favorites.

Master’s Keep 17 Year – An Elegant Long-Aged Bourbon

One of the early stars of the Master’s Keep range, the 17 Year first hit shelves in 2017 and immediately impressed with its graceful, layered flavors. To craft this liquid, Eddie Russell hand selected barrels that had been aged in Wild Turkey’s brick-and-wood rickhouses for 17 long years. The brick warehouses impart more mellow, earthy notes, while the wood rickhouses contribute robust vanilla and oak flavors. Despite going into the barrels at a relatively high 107 proof, 17 years of aging mellowed this bourbon to a bottling proof of 86.8.

The taste certainly reflects its maturation journey, starting off with a silky mouthfeel that transforms into rich caramel and vanilla sweetness. It has a savory, spicy finish with just the right amount of oak influence. Sipping this bourbon is like sampling a piece of bourbon history – a special treat for any whiskey connoisseur.

Master’s Keep One – Innovation with Toasted Oak Barrels

In 2019, the Master’s Keep One release saw Eddie Russell flexing his blending skills to create an innovative bourbon finished in specially “toasted” oak barrels. The liquid itself was a blend of 9 to 10 year and 14 year old bourbons hand selected by Eddie. He then finished the blended bourbon in new charred oak barrels toasted longer than usual to add unique flavors.

The result is a bourbon with lovely sweet notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and caramel rounded out by fresh oak. It strikes a wonderful balance between the characteristic Wild Turkey flavor profile and the richer, more mature qualities of older bourbon. Bottled at 101 proof, Master’s Keep One promises a bold, engaging drinking experience that shows off the distillery’s exceptional wood management and blending capabilities.

Master’s Keep Bottled in Bond: Traditional Meets Innovation

In 2021, Wild Turkey unveiled Master’s Keep Bottled in Bond, a limited 17 year old bourbon bottled at 100 proof and adhering to the strict production standards required for a Bottled in Bond designation. This was an intriguing move from Wild Turkey, as Bottled in Bond bourbons are typically younger and more affordably priced.

By releasing a highly aged Bottled in Bond bourbon, Wild Turkey combined tradition with innovation. To taste this exceptional spirit is to experience the flavors of a true Kentucky bourbon legend aged undiluted in a federally bonded warehouse for close to two decades. Lush vanilla and oak dance across the palate, leading to a long, spice-tinged finish. With its higher proof, Master’s Keep Bottled in Bond makes a fantastic Old Fashioned base as well. This was an exciting addition to the Master’s Keep lineup.

The Art of Blending on Display

What impresses me most about Wild Turkey’s Master’s Keep releases is the expert blending displayed in each bottle. Eddie Russell has a keen instinct for marrying different ages, mash bills, and barrel finishes to create bespoke bourbon profiles. He knows just the right amounts of older, more oaky bourbon to blend with younger, fruitier bourbons to maintain Wild Turkey’s distinctive character in every Master’s Keep release.

The delicate alchemy of this blending produces bourbons that surprise and delight. I always look forward to cracking open the latest Master’s Keep to see what the Russells have dreamed up. There’s a sense of anticipation and curiosity with every new limited edition.

Master’s Keep: Elevating Bourbon’s Potential

Wild Turkey’s Master’s Keep series shows that big brands can still innovate and produce special, highly limited bourbons that appeal to connoisseurs. These releases highlight what’s possible when brilliant blending meets top-quality distilling traditions. The Russells continue to find new ways to shape Wild Turkey’s bourbon into refined, complex expressions worthy of the Master’s Keep moniker.

I’m thankful Wild Turkey takes such care in producing exceptional, boundary-pushing bourbons like those in the Master’s Keep range. They demonstrate how bourbon can evolve while remaining rooted in heritage and authenticity. For any whiskey lover, exploring these unique bourbons promises a special journey into bourbon mastery at its finest. I’ll certainly be sampling every Master’s Keep that comes out in the years ahead.