Wild Turkey is back at it again as they extend their Master's Keep line into 2023. With Campari relaunching the Appleton Estate branch not too long ago, one can easily see how this collaboration came about. I don't have much to say about this release other than the fact that I was able to purchase it for myself at MSRP recently & I've had a handful of samplings since then to form a well-rounded, educated opinion on the whiskey inside the glass. Let's get into that part!
Company on Label: Wild Turkey
Whiskey Type: Finished Bourbon
Mash Bill Percentages: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Proof: 106°
Age: 10 years
Further identification: This 2023 release is a collaboration between Wild Turkey & Appleton Estate Master Blender, Joy Spence
Nose: Cornbread jumps out of the glass first before honeydew melon and lemon yogurt parfait swing in elegantly. The nose-feel is cream-forward with hints of citrus tones trickled in all throughout. Nosing deeper reveals some of the rum influence such as pineapple and a bit of that hallmark funk. Ultimately the finish here feels quite light and the base bourbon shines predominantly. Raspberry and chocolate tones proliferate in the glass as the liquid warms in my glencairn. Deeper tones of peanut shells start to build as the glass opens up. Time for a sip!
Coming back from a sip I find plenty of barrel influence coming out. Leather and black pepper tingle the nostrils before parting ways for classic bourbon caramel and creamy cinnamon roll aromas swing in. Clean linen tones and bright sandy beaches come to mind as I nose through the glass as it gets low. Overall this is funky, sweet and fun. The empty glass smells of Summer flowers, juicy pear, mandarin orange, and dusty oak.
Palate: My first sip is dangerously delicious with honey, rum-soaked raisin, and creamy layers of tiramisu jumping out of the glass. Floral funk swirls atop a platter of chocolate, almonds and coffee cake. Another sip produces a creamy wave of vanilla, white lily and butter pecan. The linger is tingly like dulce de leche with nutmeg. A longer swish in the mouth produces calm layers of molasses, brown sugar and juicy squeezed orange. It's quite oily on the mouthfeel as creamy caramel drizzles coat the tongue. Overall the glass feels quite akin to a sweet bowl of praline ice cream. Traces of graham cracker jump out between the sweeter tones. This is proving quite crushable for 106 proof. As I sip near the bottom of the glass I find everything to be incredibly agreeable as hints of cornbread round the glass out. My last sip is oily with caramel, candied almond and peanut brittle.
TL;DR: Balanced, sweet & crushable
Rating: 4/5
This is a damn fine pour & one I find ultimately quite crushable. Value seems to be the big question circling in most whiskey circles. With a newly hiked MSRP, you might have to look long at your wallet before you think about adding this one to your shelf. I personally thoroughly enjoyed it, and think you will too, but I will leave the thought experiment of value up to you, my dear reader. Hope this helps!
