Wild Turkey Master's Keep (Revival)
Intro:
Master’s Keep Revival is made from a blend of Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon aged 12-15 years before finishing in at least 20-year-old Oloroso Sherry casks, hand-selected by Master Distiller Eddie Russell. The result is a one-of-a-kind, 101 proof sipping whiskey with aromas of cherry pie, raisins, citrus, nuts and a touch of oak. It delivers soft and creamy hints of spice and sweet tropical fruits on the palate and a long and lingering finish of dried apricots, honey and subtle spice. An homage to a bourbon pioneered by Jimmy Russell, it’s a must own for the serious whiskey collector.
Review:
So before I get into sampling this little gem, I have to confess my guilt to beating Droopy to the punch reviewing this. He found this at the Navy Exchange and got the 2nd to last bottle over Labor Day weekend. I rushed over to get the last one on Sunday and missed the store closing by 15 minutes. I shamefully admit I was concerned someone was going to get the last bottle before I could swing by after work today and rescue it to spend the rest of its life in the oasis of bourbon retirement communities known as my cabinet. He was gracious enough to bring it over and uncork it with me Sunday night...thanks Droopy and sorry for undercutting you with this review. Anyhow, true story: As I was leaving work later than I wanted to today and hustling to the exchange in an anxiety ridden panic (prepared for letdown that someone had robbed me of the next jewel in my bourbon collecting crown), not 1...not 2...but 4 turkeys...WILD TURKEYS, might I emphasize...crossed the road right in front of my truck. Can we say omen?!! Methinks we can! So here I sit with my new purchase ready to review. Thank you my guardian turkeys!
Nose - The website identifies cherry pie, raisins, citrus, nuts, and a touch of oak. I got a fraction of that. The smell is terrific, with a touch of fumes to let you know this is a 101 proof bourbon. I got the cherry and oak, but otherwise a gentle spice that is in no way pushy to the senses.
Rub - More oak and that really unlocked the citrus that they mentioned. It is like I peeled a tangerine hours ago and the subtle smell still lingers on my hands. And of course, a very light amount of the yeast I get with nearly every rub.
Taste - First sip hit the palate as smooth as any bourbon I've had. No heat whatsoever...almost felt like it had been chilled, which is an uncommon sensation for 99.999999999999995% of bourbons. Most bourbons you get the warmth regardless of whether or not there is a face ripping burn on your tongue. The sip was subtle all the way to the swallow and only with the finish was there an emergence of any type of heat. Second sip: held on the tongue for about five seconds then down the hatch. Hot damn that is good! The spice is subtle (gentle cinnamon and black pepper) but lingers just as the website review claims. I can't get on board with the proclaimed dried apricot, but then again I don't know that I have actually had a dried apricot. However, I also agree there is a mild honey flavor with the finish. I like it....I LIKE IT A LOT!!
Is it worth the $?
I got this for one hundred thirty-four semolians! That's certainly more than I ever care to pay for a single bottle, but I have issues and so I paid it. I already have the decades and 17 year, so I wanted to complete the collection. As good as this bourbon is, I cannot recommend the average bourbon drinker pay this. However, just as the website claims, it's a must own for serious bourbon COLLECTORS.