Wild Turkey Master's Keep Voyage Review • Dram Japan

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Bottle Basics

Name: Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage
Distillery: Wild Turkey
Proof: 106
ABV: 53%
Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
Age: 10 years
Size: 750ml
MSRP: $275 USD

Additional Details

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Releases (as of Sep 2024) — Our limited edition series celebrating the mastery of bourbon whiskey craft at the Wild Turkey distillery. — Official Website

Master’s Keep 17 Year (2016) – MSRP $150 – bourbon whiskey aged for 17 years
Master’s Keep Decades (2017) – MSRP $150 – bourbon whiskey aged up to 20 years long
Master’s Keep Revival (2018) – MSRP $150 – sherry cask finished bourbon
Master’s Keep Cornerstone (2019) – MSRP $175 – our oldest rye whiskey
Master’s Keep Bottled in Bond (2020) – MSRP $175 – bottled in-bond bourbon, aged 17 years
Master’s Keep One (2021) – MSRP $175 – finished in toasted oak barrels
Master’s Keep Unforgotten (2022) – MSRP $200 – a masterful blend of bourbon and rye
Master’s Keep Voyage (2023) – MSRP $275 – Jamaican rum cask finished 10-year old bourbon
Master’s Keep Triumph (2024) – MSRP $275 – our oldest age-stated rye whiskey
Master’s Keep Beacon (2025) – MSRP $300 – blend of 10 and 16-year-old bourbons (final release)

Introduction

This particular bottle has tempted me for the past several months since it hit the shelves.

I’ve seen it many times here and there, each time pondering whether to pick it up.

Days, weeks, and soon-to-be months go by, and well… it’s still there, waiting for someone to bring it home.

The interesting thing about all of this, as you’ve probably come to realize by now, is that it’s been on the shelves for months—understandably so.

Why, you might ask?

Well, here’s just my take… ready for it?

Perhaps it’s been there because it’s TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS.

Two. Seven. Five.

Yes, that’s in USD. Or, in my case, taking into account the exchange rate, it’s the equivalent of dropping three Japanese hundos for this frickin’ bird… which I obviously went and did. F*ckn hell—why do I do these things?

If we’re thinking in precise exchange rate values, then technically I paid below MSRP, with 31,800 JPY = 217.62 USD as of September 2024. This particular detail would only be useful to you if you’re coming from the US to Japan and you’re looking to see how far your dollar will go.

I, on the other hand, live here, so I don’t usually think in these terms. Unless it’s a situation where I’m trying to feel good about my purchase.

Such is the case now (slips on my crying shades).

Pricing is usually not the first thing I like to point out and focus on in my reviews, but how can you not when a bottle of whiskey is this much??

The Backstory

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage is part of the distillery’s premium limited-release series, and this particular expression is finished in rum casks—a departure from the typical bourbon aging process. The rum cask finishing is what gives this whiskey its distinctive tropical character that we’ll explore in the tasting notes below.

Appearance

The whiskey pours a beautiful deep amber with golden highlights that catch the light beautifully. It’s viscous in the glass, with thick, slow-moving legs that suggest a higher proof and substantial body. The color hints at the rum cask influence—it’s slightly darker and more golden than your typical bourbon, with an almost honey-like appearance that promises sweetness.

Nose

The nose is immediately striking and unlike any bourbon I’ve encountered. Tropical fruits dominate—think ripe mango, papaya, and passion fruit. There’s a distinct coconut presence that’s not artificial or overly sweet, but rather like fresh coconut meat. The molasses note is rich and deep, adding complexity and depth to the sweetness.

Vanilla and caramel provide the familiar bourbon foundation, but they’re elevated by the rum cask influence. The overall impression is one of very rich candied sweetness—but not cloying or artificial.

Very interesting. Not your typical bourbon, that’s for sure. This is also coming from someone who doesn’t drink rum. Not because it’s something I don’t like, but rather, not just something I’ve explored. If Captain Morgan shots from uni counts as experience, then take that for what it is, but aside from that, I’ve had zero experience with quality rum.

On a second nosing, I get this tangy apple/banana/melon funk. Can’t quite pinpoint it but those are the vibes I’m getting. Seared pineapple adds a caramelized fruit note that’s both sweet and slightly smoky.

Palate

The palate delivers on the nose’s promises and then some. Blue cotton candy and pink bubblegum sugar create an initial wave of sweetness that’s playful and nostalgic. Caramel chews provide a chewy, satisfying mouthfeel that coats the tongue.

The overall theme here is sweetness—but it’s tropical sweetness. Like, a fruit roll-up. There it is. This is what it reminds me of. If a fruit roll-up were to be distilled into a liquid alcoholic format, Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage is what it would be.

The rum cask influence is undeniable but well-integrated. It’s not overpowering or artificial—it feels like a natural evolution of the bourbon’s character. The tropical notes dance with the traditional bourbon flavors of vanilla, oak, and spice, creating something entirely unique.

Finish

So, is Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage worth the $275 price tag?

That depends entirely on what you’re looking for in a whiskey experience.

If you’re seeking something completely unique and different from typical bourbons, this bottle delivers in spades. The rum cask finishing creates a flavor profile that’s unlike anything else in the bourbon world. It’s a conversation starter, a bottle that will surprise and delight guests who think they’ve tasted everything.

If you’re a traditionalist who prefers classic bourbon profiles, this might not be your cup of tea. The tropical sweetness and rum influence are prominent and unapologetic.

If you’re looking for value, well… that’s where things get tricky. At $275, this is firmly in the “special occasion” category. You’re paying for rarity, uniqueness, and the Master’s Keep brand premium. Whether that’s worth it depends on your budget and how much you value having something truly different in your collection.

For me personally, I don’t regret the purchase. The experience of tasting something so unique and well-executed was worth it, even if I won’t be buying another bottle anytime soon. It’s a whiskey that I’ll break out for special occasions and share with friends who appreciate something out of the ordinary.

Conclusion

The execution is excellent, the flavors are unique and well-integrated, and it’s a genuinely enjoyable drinking experience. The only thing holding it back from a higher score is the price point, which makes it hard to recommend to anyone but the most dedicated whiskey enthusiasts or those with deep pockets.

Bottom line: If you have the budget and want to try something truly unique in the bourbon world, Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage is worth experiencing at least once. Just don’t expect it to taste like any other bourbon you’ve had before.

Have you tried Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage? What did you think of the rum cask influence? Let me know in the comments below!

Rating: 4/5

5 – Perfect: This is the whiskey’s whiskey. It’s an experience that feels like all the stars in the universe have aligned to produce the perfect sip. It’s got the complexity, the balance, and the character that make it truly unforgettable. If this whiskey were a sports team, it’d be the undefeated champion. It doesn’t just tick every box, it sets the standard.

4 – Great: One heck of a pour, but it falls just a hair shy of perfection. Maybe it’s a note that didn’t quite sing or a finish that left a bit too soon. Regardless, it’s a bottle I’m proud to have on my shelf and eager to share with fellow whiskey lovers, friends, and family. If it were a sports team, it’d make the playoffs consistently.

3 – Average: This is the everyday player. It doesn’t steal the spotlight but puts on a decent show. It’s reliable, enjoyable, and doesn’t disappoint, but it probably won’t blow you away either. It’s the solid middle ground, the dependable third baseman you need in every game.

2 – Sub-par: Has some glaring flaws. Maybe the aroma doesn’t deliver, or the taste falls flat. It’s not without its merits, but it’s a bit like that promising rookie who can’t quite perform under pressure. It might be good for a casual sip now and then, but it won’t be the star of my collection.

1 – Poor: This missed the mark. It’s a bit like a team that’s lost its way in the middle of the season. Whether it’s a harsh finish, an unbalanced palate, or an underwhelming nose, something just isn’t sitting right. It’s one for the days when I’m feeling forgiving or adventurous.

0 – Unacceptable: Equivalent of a team that didn’t even show up for the match. It’s not just that it has flaws – it’s that those flaws overshadow any potential merit. It’s hard to find anything positive to say about this one.