Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Unforgotten Review

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Bottle Basics

Name: Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Unforgotten
Distillery: Wild Turkey
Proof: 105
ABV: 52.5%
Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley (bourbon mash bill) | 51% rye, 37% corn, 12% malted barley (rye mash bill)
Age: 13 years (bourbon) | 8 and 9 years (rye)
Size: 750ml
MSRP: $200 USD

Additional Details

Warehouse: Rickhouse B
Batch Number: 0001
Distiller Notes:

A magnificent marriage of 13-year-old bourbon and 8 & 9-year-old rye, finished for a secondary maturation period in rye casks. The palate starts with a luscious combination of caramel, fruit, and sweet oak, before transitioning to notes of black pepper and warm baking spices on the finish.

Box description (front)

The idea of marrying the straight bourbon and rye whiskies of Wild Turkey Distilling Co. was born in 2010 when a crew member accidentally mixed a batch of young rye with a barrel of mature bourbon. Upon tasting the comingled whiskey, Master Distiller Eddie Russell realized he had something very special on his hands and the serendipitous mishap was quickly forgiven, though the liquid was never forgotten.

Over a decade later, Eddie has leveraged his years of distillation experience to craft Master’s Keep Unforgotten, a high proof, extra-aged variation of the harmonious blend of straight bourbon and rye whiskies. Mature 13-year-old bourbon provides a backbone of caramel and oak, which is complemented by flavors of dried fruit, honey, black pepper, and baking spice from the 8 and 9-year-old ryes – some of the oldest rye ever released by Wild Turkey.

To perfect the liquid, the harmonized blend was transferred back into rye barrels for a secondary aging period in the pre-prohibition Rickhouse B – the favorite rickhouse of Eddie’s father, Master Distiller Jimmy Russell. The extra aging time in rye casks imparts notes of fresh fruit that are rarely exhibited in such mature liquids, honoring the storied history of American rye production, while offering a distinct experience that is sure to surprise and delight.

Box description (inner)

Introduction

In 2022, Wild Turkey unveiled the 7th expression in its esteemed Master’s Keep lineup: Unforgotten. With an unapologetic MSRP of $200 USD, it’s clear that the brand is setting a new standard for its premium offerings. But as the price tag of the Master’s Keep series has steadily risen over the years, so too have the murmurs of discontent among enthusiasts.

Many bourbon aficionados, especially those yet to secure a bottle, often find themselves pondering, “Is it worth it?” This question becomes even more pressing when standing in a store, contemplating whether to part with two crisp Benjamins (maybe more) for a single bottle. However, in an era marked by inflation and an unabated bourbon boom, such a price hike is hardly shocking.

It’s crucial to remember that the Master’s Keep expressions aren’t just any bourbons. These are Master Distiller Eddie Russell’s experimental canvases, each bottle bearing the weight of countless hours of R&D, passion, and craftsmanship. When viewed through this lens, $200 for a meticulously crafted whiskey that has been through rigorous quality checks begins to seem more justified. But there’s a caveat.

Each Master’s Keep release is distinct from its predecessors. While Unforgotten is a harmonious blend of bourbon and rye (often termed ‘bourye’), its predecessor, One, showcased a toasted finish. The Bottled in Bond was a 17-year-old bourbon adhering to the bottled-in-bond act, Cornerstone was a rye, Revival boasted a sherry cask finish, and the most recent 2023 Voyage is a Jamaican rum cask finish.

This diversity in the lineup means that drawing direct comparisons between releases is a challenge. How can one definitively state that One surpasses Unforgotten, or that Unforgotten outshines Voyage? The truth is, such comparisons are inherently subjective. Each expression caters to different palates, and while some might gravitate towards classic bourbons, others might have a penchant for finished ones.

Ultimately, the real test lies in tasting. Reviews, like this one, aim to guide enthusiasts in their purchasing decisions, offering insights into whether a particular whiskey aligns with their preferences and is worth the investment.

Appearance

The whiskey presents a deep honey gold hue. Swirling it gently around the glass reveals its rich viscosity. As it settles, a thick and oily rim becomes prominently visible, indicating its substantial body.

Nose

The initial aroma is reminiscent of a cinnamon apple strudel, complete with the buttery scent of pie crust. This is complemented by the bright aroma of freshly zested orange peel and the sweetness of cake frosting. As anticipated, rye spice makes its presence known, but it’s a lively, zesty kind of spice. Lurking in the background is a nuanced oak character; it’s more than just a hint. It evokes the scent of freshly sawed wood, imbued with a sweet freshness that sets it apart from a typical oak note.

Palate

The tasting journey begins with spiced apple, soon joined by a subtle hint of lemon tartness. As the flavors evolve, notes of dried fruits emerge, reminiscent of raisins and apricots. This transitions beautifully into the sweet and zesty profile of lemon pound cake. As the experience nears its conclusion, punchy notes reminiscent of citrus and pepper make a bold appearance, evoking the spicy bite of ginger snaps.

Finish

The conclusion is marked by warming baking spices, like cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, and cloves, evoking a festive ambiance. As the whiskey descends, it delivers a gentle, embracing hug, devoid of any overpowering or harsh sensations. A delightful, refreshing minty zest lingers, a characteristic nuance often found in rye expressions.

Conclusion

In my corner of Japan, I’ve been privileged to find a Master’s Keep expression in several local shops. Interestingly, the stock here seems to be about a year behind the U.S. releases. This delay is understandable, given that the U.S. market likely gets priority. But the silver lining? Procuring a Master’s Keep bottle here is considerably easier than in the States.

That’s not to say it’s ubiquitous. If a local store doesn’t stock it, there’s a good chance Amazon might. And the best part? Japanese stores don’t indulge in price gouging. Often, thanks to favorable exchange rates, the price hovers around, if not below, the MSRP.

Given the frenzy around allocated bottles in the U.S., spotting a Master’s Keep on a shelf here makes it an instant purchase for me. Even with Unforgotten’s slightly steeper price, the rarity, uniqueness, and exclusivity make it a no-brainer.

This expression, being a bourye, was a particularly exciting find. Not only had I never tasted a bourye before, but I’d also never seen one on local shelves. This meant I approached Unforgotten without any preconceived notions about its flavor profile.

And what a profile it was! This wasn’t just a haphazard mix of bourbon and rye. It was a meticulously crafted blend that showcased Eddie Russell’s genius. Curiosity led me to attempt a home blend using Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye. The result? Well… let’s just say it was a far cry from Unforgotten, but an interesting bourbon with a rye finish.

Returning to Unforgotten, it undeniably stands as a premium whiskey, one I’d reserve for special occasions. While I can’t compare it to other bouryes (barring my homemade experiment), I can confidently say it didn’t disappoint. It boasts a complex flavor profile and is, in a word, irresistible.

Additional Images

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