I recently had the pleasure of trying the Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival bourbon, which is the third release in the Master’s Keep series. This particular bourbon pays tribute to Jimmy Russell’s 64 years at Wild Turkey and is a nod to his limited-release Wild Turkey Sherry Signature in early 2000. As a bourbon enthusiast, I was excited to try this highly anticipated release and see how it stacked up against its predecessors.
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Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival Overview
As a bourbon enthusiast, I was excited to try Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival. This limited edition bourbon is the third release in the Master’s Keep line and pays tribute to Jimmy Russell’s 64 years at Wild Turkey. Here’s what I discovered about this unique whiskey:
Product History
Master’s Keep Revival is 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’s a complex and well-balanced bourbon that showcases the best of both Wild Turkey and Oloroso Sherry.
Price Range
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival is a limited edition bourbon with a suggested retail price of $150. While it’s not cheap, it’s also not the most expensive bourbon on the market. Given its unique flavor profile and limited availability, I think it’s a fair price for a special occasion bourbon or a gift for a bourbon lover.
photo credit: www.wildturkeybourbon.com
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Upon opening the bottle, I was greeted with a strong aroma of cherry pie, apricots, and citrus. As I poured the whiskey into my glass, I also detected a hint of nuts and oak. The aroma was quite inviting and made me eager to take my first sip.
Flavor
The first sip revealed a complex flavor profile that was both sweet and spicy. I could taste the sherry influence from the Oloroso casks, which added a subtle sweetness to the bourbon. The flavor was also quite nutty, with notes of almond and hazelnut. As I continued to sip, I detected a hint of cinnamon and black pepper, which added a nice spicy kick to the whiskey.
Finish
The finish was long and warming, with a pleasant sweetness that lingered on my tongue. I could taste the sherry influence throughout the finish, which added a nice complexity to the whiskey. The finish also had a slightly dry quality to it, which I found quite enjoyable.
Rating
Overall, I was very impressed with Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival. The whiskey had a well-balanced flavor profile that was both sweet and spicy, and the sherry influence added a nice complexity to the bourbon. I would give this whiskey a rating of 9 out of 10.
Mixing and Pairing
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Best Mixers
When it comes to mixers, I prefer to keep it simple and let the bourbon shine. A splash of water or a single ice cube can help open up the flavors and aromas. However, if you’re looking to mix it up, ginger ale or cola can complement the sweetness of the sherry finish.
photo credit: www.wildturkeybourbon.com
Cocktail Suggestions
While I typically prefer to sip my bourbon neat, the Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival can make a great addition to a cocktail. Here are a few suggestions:
- Revival Old Fashioned: In a mixing glass, muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Add 2 oz of Master’s Keep Revival and stir with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel.
- Sherry Sour: In a shaker, combine 1.5 oz of Master’s Keep Revival, 0.75 oz of lemon juice, 0.5 oz of simple syrup, and 0.25 oz of Oloroso sherry. Shake with ice and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Kentucky Mule: In a copper mug, combine 2 oz of Master’s Keep Revival, 0.5 oz of lime juice, and ginger beer. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.
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Food Pairings
The sherry finish of the Master’s Keep Revival can make it a great pairing with food. Here are a few suggestions:
- Charcuterie: The sweetness of the sherry finish can complement the saltiness of cured meats like prosciutto or salami.
- Grilled Meats: The bold flavors of grilled steak or lamb can stand up to the complexity of the bourbon.
- Chocolate Desserts: The cherry and toffee notes in the Master’s Keep Revival can pair well with rich, dark chocolate.
Conclusion
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival Bourbon is a unique and flavorful whiskey that is worth trying for any bourbon enthusiast. The blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon aged 12–15 years and the finish in at least 20-year-old Oloroso Sherry casks create a one-of-a-kind sipping experience.
I highly recommend Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival Bourbon for anyone looking for a unique and delicious sipping experience.
Related Posts
If you enjoyed reading my review of Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival, you might be interested in checking out some of my other whiskey reviews. Here are a few related posts that you might find interesting:
- DREAM DRAM: A review of Littlemill 25 Years Old (2015 Edition): If you’re a fan of rare and hard-to-find whiskies, you won’t want to miss this review of Littlemill 25. This Scotch comes from a distillery that closed its doors in the 1990s, making it a true collector’s item.
- Dream Dram: Bowmore Mizunara Cask Finish: This review explores a unique Bowmore expression that was finished in Japanese Mizunara oak casks. If you’re interested in trying something new and different, this might be the whisky for you.
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- STARWARD Australian whisky: A look at Diageo’s latest investment: This review explores a new Australian whisky that’s caught the attention of Diageo, one of the biggest players in the spirits industry. If you’re curious about what makes this whisky so special, check out my review.
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