I went through a bottle of this back in 2017 when it came out. I made some criticisms about the price-to-experience ratio in my notes back then, but those are now absurd given how Wild Turkey’s limited release pricing has turned out. However, I did find another bottle, and it has been waiting for the ideal moment in my bunker ever since.
At a recent get-together with close friends, I was considering which whiskey to bring when I realized that the total number of years we have known each other would equal many, many decades. The choice of this bottle was easy. Indeed, my friends agreed this was a special bourbon. And of course any bourbon is at its best when shared with friends.
BTW: You’ll notice up top that I specified this is Batch 0001. That might seem obvious, as the Master’s Keep is a singular annual release. However, in this instance, there was indeed a Batch 0002. That the first batch was already numbered would suggest it was known a second was coming. Are they different? Wild Turkey master distiller Eddie Russell was questioned by David Jennings of Rare Bird 101, and he responded that although Batch 0001 is made up only of barrels from Wild Turkey’s aging McBrayer warehouses, the second batch also includes a small amount of barrels from other warehouses.
I’ll let Jennings speculate further about what that might mean; if you’re curious, I heartily suggest visiting his website. It’s the single greatest trove of Wild Turkey minutia on the www or anywhere.
Here we are, nearing four weeks after uncorking and about a third of the way into the bottle. These brief notes were taken using both a simple brandy glass and traditional Glencairn.
This is good Wild Turkey, hitting all the notes I expect and love. And while I love oak, I appreciate that emphasis, although I can see how someone who isn’t as into oak might find this to be overly bitter or tannic. It’s on the edge for even me. But I enjoy lingering on a worthwhile edge—it can be provocative and freeing at once.
Without a doubt, the price would skyrocket if someone were to find a miraculously abandoned bottle of Decades anywhere these days. I wouldn’t pay it. At the original ~$125 or even $150, I’d certainly pause to consider it. That cost would be approximately half of what similar modern Wild Turkey experiences are currently fetching as I write this—who knows what the costs will be when you read this.
But that’s always been the conundrum for me with Wild Turkey. Since all of their products are so excellent, I find that the limited releases have less value as a tasting experience the more expensive they become. A great Russell’s Reserve SiB for $100 could fill the role of this 2017 Decades easily. They’d be different, yes. But as a sum-total experience, the qualities would be comparable.
With their recent price increases, I wonder if—and I must admit, I hope—Campari, the parent company of Wild Turkey, has made a significant hole in the already apparent leak in the whiskey bubble. I am aware of stores in my neighborhood that have Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse releases priced between $300 and $400 that have just been sitting on the shelf. The latest Master’s Keep release is right next to them. Plenty of other bottles of both these offerings have sold, of course. However, I believe and hope that the bourbon glut is here to stay, which would mean whiskey enthusiasts would regularly come across well-made, well-aged whiskeys at more affordable prices than 2024 is currently prepared to provide. For example, I’ve assumed that the days of the amazing fifteen-year Knob Creek SiBs for $55 are over. Will the corporate parents of classic Kentucky distilleries allow some excellent older whiskeys out of the vault again, to move stagnant stock, after a few years of matching current secondary pricing?
Time will tell. In the interim, I’m enjoying and sharing this beautiful bottle of expertly blended Wild Turkey bourbon.
A Toast to Time: Unveiling the Secrets of Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Decades
In the realm of bourbon, where time is the ultimate alchemist, Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Decades stands as a testament to the transformative power of aging. This exceptional expression, a harmonious blend of 10 to 20-year-old barrels, embodies the legacy of two generations of master distillers, Eddie and Jimmy Russell. It’s a journey through time, capturing the essence of Wild Turkey’s rich heritage in a single, unforgettable sip.
A Legacy Forged in Oak: The Story Behind Master’s Keep Decades
The story of Master’s Keep Decades begins with a vision shared by father and son Eddie and Jimmy Russell. Their aim was to create a bourbon that would not only celebrate Eddie’s 35 years of dedication to Wild Turkey but also showcase the unique character developed through extended aging.
The journey started with a meticulous selection of barrels, each handpicked from the hallowed warehouses of the McBrayer Campus. These metal-clad structures, nestled across the street from the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, impart a distinct profile to the aging bourbon, differentiating it from the traditional wooden warehouses used at Tyrone and Camp Nelson.
A Tale of Three Eras: The Blend that Defines a Generation
Master’s Keep Decades is more than just a blend of aged bourbons; it’s a tapestry woven from three distinct eras of Wild Turkey’s distilling history. Each barrel whispers a tale of its own, reflecting the subtle nuances of varying entry proofs used throughout the years.
From the robust 107-proof distillation of the past to the bolder 110-proof and 115-proof expressions of the present, Master’s Keep Decades captures the essence of Wild Turkey’s evolution. It’s a testament to the unwavering commitment to quality and tradition that has defined the brand for generations.
The Unveiling: A Symphony of Flavors
As the amber liquid graces the glass, a symphony of aromas unfolds. Rich, seasoned oak mingles with the scent of aged leather, evoking a sense of timelessness. Notes of caramel and honey intertwine with the warmth of nut butter, nougat, and nutmeg, creating a complex and inviting bouquet.
On the palate, the bourbon dances with an oily richness, coating the tongue with a velvety embrace. The oak takes center stage, its presence both comforting and assertive. Hints of orchard fruits, like apples and pears, emerge, their sweetness balanced by the subtle spice of cinnamon and clove. A lingering warmth of peppercorns adds a touch of intrigue to the experience.
The finish is a crescendo of flavors, a harmonious blend of orchard fruits, spiced honey, and a whisper of chocolate. The oak, now mellow and refined, leaves a lasting impression, a testament to the years spent in slumber.
A Masterpiece Unveiled: The Legacy of Master’s Keep Decades
Master’s Keep Decades is more than just a bourbon; it’s a journey through time, a celebration of heritage, and a testament to the art of aging. It’s a bourbon that demands to be savored, contemplated, and appreciated for its complexity and depth.
While its limited availability and premium price tag may make it a rare treat, the experience it offers is truly priceless. It’s a bourbon that will linger in your memory long after the last drop has been savored, a reminder of the transformative power of time and the enduring legacy of Wild Turkey.
Beyond the Bottle: Exploring the World of Wild Turkey
For those seeking to delve deeper into the world of Wild Turkey, the journey doesn’t end with Master’s Keep Decades. The brand offers a diverse range of expressions, each with its own unique character and story to tell.
From the iconic Wild Turkey 101, a bold and uncompromising bourbon, to the smooth and refined Russell’s Reserve 13 Year, there’s a Wild Turkey expression to suit every palate. And for those seeking a truly unique experience, the Master’s Keep series offers a collection of limited-edition releases that showcase the artistry and innovation of the Russell family.
Join the Journey: Becoming a Part of the Wild Turkey Legacy
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon aficionado or just starting to explore the world of whiskey, Wild Turkey invites you to join the journey. Discover the rich history, the unwavering commitment to quality, and the spirit of innovation that define the brand.
With each sip of Wild Turkey, you become a part of a legacy that spans generations, a legacy built on passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. So, raise a glass to the past, present, and future of Wild Turkey, and let the spirit of the bourbon guide you on your own journey of discovery.
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I went through a bottle of this back in 2017 when it came out. I made some criticisms about the price-to-experience ratio in my notes back then, but those are now absurd given how Wild Turkey’s limited release pricing has turned out. However, I did find another bottle, and it has been waiting for the ideal moment in my bunker ever since.
At a recent get-together with close friends, I was considering which whiskey to bring when I realized that the total number of years we have known each other would equal many, many decades. The choice of this bottle was easy. Indeed, my friends agreed this was a special bourbon. And of course any bourbon is at its best when shared with friends.
BTW: You’ll notice up top that I specified this is Batch 0001. That might seem obvious, as the Master’s Keep is a singular annual release. However, in this instance, there was indeed a Batch 0002. That the first batch was already numbered would suggest it was known a second was coming. Are they different? According to David Jennings of Rare Bird 101, who asked Wild Turkey master distiller Eddie Russell directly, while Batch 0001 is comprised entirely of barrels from Wild Turkey’s weathered McBrayer warehouses, the second batch involves some number of barrels from other warehouses as well.
I’ll leave any further rabbit holing on what that might mean to Jennings—and if you’re interested I do highly recommend his website. It’s the single greatest trove of Wild Turkey minutia on the www or anywhere.
Meanwhile, let’s get into a glass of this stuff.
Here we are, nearing four weeks after uncorking and about a third of the way into the bottle. These brief notes were taken using both a simple brandy glass and traditional Glencairn.
This is good Wild Turkey, hitting all the notes I expect and love. And while I love oak, I appreciate that emphasis, although I can see how someone who isn’t as into oak might find this to be overly bitter or tannic. It’s on the edge for even me. But I enjoy lingering on a worthwhile edge—it can be provocative and freeing at once.
Without a doubt, the price would skyrocket if someone were to find a miraculously abandoned bottle of Decades anywhere these days. I wouldn’t pay it. At the original ~$125 or even $150, I’d certainly pause to consider it. That cost would be approximately half of what similar modern Wild Turkey experiences are currently fetching as I write this—who knows what the costs will be when you read this.
But that’s always been the conundrum for me with Wild Turkey. Since all of their products are so excellent, I find that the limited releases have less value as a tasting experience the more expensive they become. A great Russell’s Reserve SiB for $100 could fill the role of this 2017 Decades easily. They’d be different, yes. But as a sum-total experience, the qualities would be comparable.
With their recent price increases, I wonder if—and I must admit, I hope—Campari, the parent company of Wild Turkey, has made a significant hole in the already apparent leak in the whiskey bubble. I am aware of stores in my neighborhood that have Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse releases priced between $300 and $400 that have just been sitting on the shelf. The latest Master’s Keep release is right next to them. Plenty of other bottles of both these offerings have sold, of course. However, I believe and hope that the bourbon glut is here to stay, which would mean whiskey enthusiasts would regularly come across well-made, well-aged whiskeys at more affordable prices than 2024 is currently prepared to provide. For example, I’ve assumed that the days of the amazing fifteen-year Knob Creek SiBs for $55 are over. Will the corporate parents of classic Kentucky distilleries allow some excellent older whiskeys out of the vault again, to move stagnant stock, after a few years of matching current secondary pricing?
Time will tell. In the interim, I’m enjoying and sharing this beautiful bottle of expertly blended Wild Turkey bourbon.
Wild Turkey Bourbon: Master’s Keep Decades
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