Bourbon

Whiskey Review: Wild Turkey Master’s Keep 17 Year Old

We review Wild Turkey Master's Keep, a complex, almost brooding bourbon with strong oak character that preserves some things Wild Turkey enthusiasts love.

OVERALL RATING

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Wild Turkey Master's Keep

Tasting Notes

About:

Appearance:
Nose:
Intense caramel, blackberry, and vanilla ice cream. Quite solvent and intense for how low proof the spirit is. With water the aroma became more focused and nuanced, with stronger red berry and cinnamon notes supported by spicy oak. Flavor: Lots of caramel in the front and
Palate:
segues to apricot, dark chocolate bitterness, and lingering ginger heat. Though its caramel-forward nose and palate suggests sweetness, this spirit is dry as a bone. There’s a sturdy oak character, especially in the finish, with a somewhat rye-like heat and spiciness that’s thankfully free of sawdust notes. Not as overly tannic and woody as many extra-aged bourbons, there is still a tight and slightly sourish note to the finish. Despite its age this is still a fairly rough-hewn whiskey, and retains a lot of the typical Wild Turkey character. While certainly enjoyable, there isn’t a lot of “wow” to it despite the unique origin story. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing, but it’s worth knowing, especially if you’re planning to invest the $150 this bottle sells for at retail. Wild Turkey Mater’s Keep offers an interesting take on the classic Wild Turkey flavor, but it might be a less notable experience than many high-end bourbon drinkers are looking for. I give it a rating of 85 points. You can find a bottle of it from a range of online retailers here.
Finish:
Comments:

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Margarett Waterbury

Margarett Waterbury is the author of "Scotch: A Complete Introduction to Scotland's Whiskies" and a full-time freelance writer and editor specializing in the beverage industry. Her work has graced the pages of numerous publications, including Whisky Advocate, Food and Wine, Spirited Magazine, Artisan Spirit, Edible Seattle, Sip Northwest, Civil Eats, Travel Oregon, and many others. She also boasts editorial experience as the former managing editor of Edible Portland and as a co-founder and former managing editor of The Whiskey Wash. In recognition of her talent, Margarett received the Alan Lodge Young Drinks Writer of the Year award in 2017 and was awarded fellowships for the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers in 2017 and 2019.

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