Wild Turkey Announces The Final Release In The Master’s Keep Series

Wild Turkey Distilling Company has unveiled the final release in its Master’s Keep collection, a 118-proof bourbon blend that concludes 10 years of limited-edition releases.

Master’s Keep Beacon combines 10 and 16-year-old bourbons selected by Master Distiller Eddie Russell and Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell, marking the first time the father-son duo have collaborated on a Master’s Keep expression.

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Series Reaches Historic Milestone

The new release represents a significant moment for Wild Turkey, ending a collection that began in 2015 and has produced 10 limited-edition expressions. Each bourbon in the blend carries personal significance for the Russell family. Eddie Russell selected 16-year-old bourbon from barrels laid down between 2007 and 2008 in the original Wild Turkey distillery, before its major expansion in 2011. Bruce Russell chose a 10-year-old bourbon distilled in 2015 from his first production runs alongside his father and grandfather, Hall of Fame Master Distiller Jimmy Russell.

The Master’s Keep series has earned recognition from spirits publications and whiskey collectors since its inception. Previous releases have consistently received high scores from industry critics and have been named among the best whiskies of the year. The collection includes 17 Year (2015), Decades (2016), Revival (2018), Cornerstone (2019), Bottled in Bond (2020), One (2021), Unforgotten (2022), Voyage (2023), and Triumph (2024).

“When we set out ten years ago to launch the Master’s Keep series, we knew we had something special but I never imagined the journey it would take us on,” says Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell. “Our first release was the most unique whiskey we’d ever released, and with each expression since we’ve been able to share some of the rarest whiskies in our rickhouses, all while staying true to who we are as Wild Turkey. Looking back a decade later I’m very proud of what we’ve created to date, and looking forward to what’s next.”

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Beacon Sets New Proof Standard

At 118 proof, Master’s Keep Beacon is the highest-proof release in the entire Master’s Keep collection. The bourbon presents distinct characteristics from two different eras of Wild Turkey production.

Official tasting notes describe an aroma of dark fruit and cherry, followed by honey, vanilla, and cola. The palate reveals sweet notes of caramelized sugar, toffee, and tea with warm baking spice. The finish is long and warming with notes of mature oak and leather.

Bruce Russell’s involvement marks a generational transition for the series. This is the first Master’s Keep release to feature his signature on the bottle, using bourbon he helped create during his early days at the distillery. His participation alongside his father represents the continuation of the Russell family legacy at Wild Turkey, which spans three generations.

The limited-edition bourbon will be available at select retailers globally beginning in September 2025. Master’s Keep Beacon carries a suggested retail price of $300. Distribution will be limited, consistent with previous Master’s Keep releases that have become highly sought after by collectors.