Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Unforgotten Review
In-Depth Review
For many years, Wild Turkey didn’t seem too interested in joining the ever-growing number of limited annual release whiskies. Sure, they would occasionally launch products like Diamond Anniversary and Russell’s 1998 and 2002, but these were more one-offs than consistent annual releases. That all changed in 2015, with the first release of Wild Turkey Master’s Keep. In the years since, Wild Turkey has used the Master’s Keep series to explore and experiment beyond their traditional expressions with some in the series reaching almost iconic levels (Looking at you Bottled-in-Bond 17 year). The Master’s Keep lineup and expressions like Cornerstone Rye and Revival did a lot to change consumer perception around what Wild Turkey could do – and do well.
In 2022, Wild Turkey was out to experiment again – this time with Master’s Keep Unforgotten, a blend of both bourbon and rye whiskies that took inspiration from previous Wild Turkey Unforgiven batches. But unlike those Unforgiven batches, this expression would utilize a blend of older whiskies – taking 13 year old bourbon and 8 and 9 year old rye whiskies and blending them together before finishing in rye casks. The result? A 105-proof blended whiskey with an MSRP of $200 and a lot riding on its shoulders. Is it worth seeking out one of the remaining bottles? Let’s dive in and find out.
Age: 13 year bourbon and 8 and 9 year rye whiskies
ABV: 52.5%
Cask: Finished in rye casks
MSRP: $200
Distillery Name: Wild Turkey
Review Date: 1/24/23
Color: Deep Caramel
Nose: Upon nosing, you’re immediately greeted by that rich and classic Wild Turkey funk. There’s lots of earthy spiciness, mixed with gobs of roasted toffee and caramel. Deep and luxurious, the nose fills the glass with notes of bright cherry, almond, coca, and cardamon spice. It’s a great nose – and a great start to the entire Unforgotten experience.
Palate: The palate begins soft and inviting with cherry cola, antique wood, and dried fruit before cranking up the flavors with ginger, barrel char and more earthy funk. On the second sip comes a burst of Toblerone and caramel sweetness. Eventually, the rye character pokes through, with a nice classic spice mixed with eucalyptus and white pepper. The mouthfeel is sumptuous and thick, coating the palate well without any harsh or distracting heat.
Finish: Medium length finish that after a few sips leads to a deep Kentucky hug that warms the chest. As it lingers, more banana bread, rye spice, tobacco and honey glaze appear – rounding off the some of the spice of the palate. Even after the sip fades, a lingering mustiness remains – evidence of the considerable age of the whiskies in this blend.
Final Thoughts: The Wild Turkey Master’s Keep series may not the once-a-year limited release that everyone is clamoring to find – but perhaps it should be. While Unforgotten may not reach some of the incredible highs of George T. Stagg or William Larue Weller, it provides an amazing glimpse into Wild Turkey’s ability to create some downright fantastic expressions. At times, it felt that Wild Turkey Unforgotten was more of a rye wrapped up in a bourbon blanket – with more funky rye spice coming through - on both the palate and finish - than I expected. Regardless, this is remarkably well-balanced and rewarding sip that may challenge your perceptions around blended whiskey. And while it gets docked a few points for its high MSRP, this is a bottle worth seeking out if you want to experience the more experimental side of Wild Turkey.
