I was thinking that I would begin this review of Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival by commenting that this was the first time Wild Turkey introduced a barrel-finished bourbon onto the market. But after a little bit of research, I found out that wasn’t true.
Wild Turkey did, in fact, have a barrel finished bourbon that was launched around 2004. It was even Sherry-Cask finished just like Master’s Keep Revival was. But one of the main differences (aside from proof and age) was that the “Sherry Signature” (as it was called) also had some Sherry added into the batch. The addition of that Sherry into the batch effectively meant it could not be called a bourbon anymore.
Revival would forgo blending Sherry in with the bourbon for the 2018 release. Instead, the makeup was a blend of 12- to 15-year-old Wild Turkey bourbon that was only finished in Sherry casks. These were personally hand-picked by Eddie Russell on a trip he took to the Jerez region of Spain the previous year. It would also be bottled at 101 proof – a proof practically synonymous with the Wild Turkey name.
As a bourbon enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting bourbon releases. Recently, one release in particular caught my attention – Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival. This new limited edition expression from Wild Turkey promised something unique – a bourbon finished in sherry casks. I was intrigued, so I decided to do some digging to find out if this new offering from Wild Turkey was worth seeking out.
An Inside Look at Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival starts with a blend of bourbons aged between 12-15 years. This provides a solid mature bourbon base. The bourbons are then finished in hand-selected Oloroso sherry casks from Spain. Unlike many sherry finished whiskies that use casks aged only a few years, Wild Turkey went to great lengths to source sherry casks aged over 20 years. The extra barrel aging adds lovely depth and complexity.
After finishing, Master’s Keep Revival is bottled at 101 proof. The end result is a rich, deep mahogany colored bourbon with flavors of cherry, nuts, oak, and vanilla. On the nose, you’ll find cherry, citrus, raisins, and a touch of oak. The palate delivers soft, creamy spice and sweet tropical fruits. It has a long, lingering finish of honey, dried apricots and subtle spice.
Behind the Scenes with Jimmy and Eddie Russell
Master’s Keep Revival is unique in that it pays homage to a limited release bourbon pioneered decades ago by Wild Turkey’s legendary distiller Jimmy Russell. Back in 2000 Jimmy introduced Wild Turkey Sherry Signature, a 12 year old bourbon finished in oloroso sherry casks. It was well received at the time.
Years later, Jimmy’s son and fellow distiller Eddie Russell wanted to revisit his father’s concept He selected exceptional ultra-aged sherry casks from Spain and finished mature Wild Turkey bourbon in them The result became Master’s Keep Revival, named to celebrate Jimmy Russell’s 64 years in the bourbon industry.
Tasting Notes from Bourbon Experts
I’m always curious to see what professional whiskey reviewers think of new bourbon releases. In reading reviews of Revival, I found the verdict seems to be overwhelmingly positive.
The reviewers unanimously praise Revival’s balance of flavors. The extra aging smooths out the bourbon’s rougher edges. The sherry influence adds lovely fruit and baking spice notes, but doesn’t overpower. Instead, it compliments and elevates the underlying bourbon.
Most describe Master’s Keep Revival as complex, but subtle. It rewards the patient sipper who takes time to uncover the layers of flavor. Those seeking an intense sherry bomb may be disappointed. But for fans of nuanced, refined bourbon, Revival delivers.
Hunting Down This Elusive Bourbon
After researching the background of Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival and reading positive reviews, I was eager to hunt down a bottle. However, I quickly learned tracking it down wouldn’t be easy.
As a limited edition bourbon, only 1,600 cases of Revival were produced. It sold out quickly upon release in 2018. Now, bottles often fetch upwards of $300 at auction. The high demand means I may have to save up if I want to add this bourbon to my collection.
For a liquid this rare, I’d recommend checking reputable online whiskey retailers or seeing if any bottles turn up at local liquor stores. Be prepared to pay a hefty premium over the original $150 MSRP. Joining bourbon hunting Facebook groups and online forums is another good way to get the scoop on hard to find whiskey releases.
Is Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival Worth Hunting Down?
After researching the story behind Revival, reading glowing reviews, and discovering how rare it is, I’m more tempted than ever to hunt down a bottle. However, the high secondary market prices give me pause.
Ultimately, every bourbon lover must decide for themselves if an elusive, limited edition whiskey is worth paying a premium for. Given Wild Turkey’s reputation and Revival’s flawless critical reception, I suspect this is one bourbon that will be worth the effort. It offers a chance to taste a piece of Wild Turkey’s history, as Jimmy Russell passes the torch to his son Eddie.
For devoted Wild Turkey fans or any bourbon drinker who enjoys discovering new, creative expressions, Revival seems like an incredible find. The complex flavors and masterful blending of sherry and bourbon make Revival a special bottling – one I’ll be keeping my eye out for. The hunt is part of the fun when it comes to scoring rare whiskey. Here’s hoping I get lucky and find a bottle of this Kentucky gem.
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival
It wasn’t until recent years that any of the major Kentucky distilleries bothered with finished bourbons. That’s mainly something that only Independent Bottlers or Non-Distiller Producers dabbled in. Out of all of the big distilleries, it seemed like only Woodford Reserve (Double Oak and Distiller’s Select) and Buffalo Trace (Experimental Collection) were adventurous enough to play around with them; albeit in more limited one-off releases. Some distilleries – like Four Roses – outright rejected making barrel-finished whiskies.
But I think that fans of the brand were genuinely surprised to see a finished bourbon with the Russell’s name on the bottle for the 2018 release. Sherry is one of the most popular finishing barrels for whiskey, so it made sense that Wild Turkey would start there. Plus, the spicy nature of Oloroso Sherry should pair well with the spicy nature of Wild Turkey bourbon.