In the early 2000s Jimmy Russel created a sherry finished Wild Turkey and now his son, Eddie Russell, is taking a crack at it himself with this, the Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival. Created from whiskey that’s been aged between 12-15 years, finished in Oloroso casks that held sherry for at least 20 years and bottled at the iconic 101 proof, it’s a worthy new addition to the Master’s Keep line… at least on paper anyways.
I’ve never been a massive fan of wine or sherry finished bourbons, all too often they’re overly sweet and unbalanced, the best example of overdone” being the Corti Brother’s Exquisite Whiskey and a “just-fine” example being the 1792 Port Finish Bourbon. But neither of them are Wild Turkey and neither of them had Eddie at the helm, so let’s see what he was able to pull off.
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival Review: Details and Tasting Notes
In Wild Turkey’s Words: Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival
“With a nod to his father’s 64-year legacy as a Bourbon sage and distilling legend, Master’s Keep Revival is inspired by the limited-release Wild Turkey Sherry Signature; a product Jimmy Russell introduced in the early 2000’s that featured sherry-infused, 10-year-old Bourbon finished in an Oloroso sherry cask. Eddie used the Sherry Signature taste profile to guide him to older Bourbon that, after resting in sherry casks, brought out top notes of fruit that blended perfectly with the vanilla and caramel of Wild Turkey. Eddie’s “revival” of Sherry Signature was the impetus for the name —a fitting tribute for the dynamic father & son distilling duo who collectively have 101 years of experience between them.”
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival price, ABV, age and other details
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Wild Turkey
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak, ex-Oloroso
Age: 12 years
ABV: 50.5%
Price: $150
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival Tasting Notes
EYE
Dark ruby
NOSE
Oak, dark fruit, cinnamon, nuts, toffee, brown sugar, citrus and a bit of anise, clove and chalk.
PALATE
Oak, nuts, dark fruit, nutmeg, clove, citrus, vanilla taffy, brown sugar and a bit of brulee.
FINISH
Long -> Oak, dark fruit, nuts and spice.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Well balanced, full round body and a heavy feel.
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival Review: OVERALL
It’s almost like Eddie, and Jimmy, can do no wrong, hold crap the Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival is good. I was skeptical going into it, but consider me one of the converted so long as I get to sip on this at communion. The aroma is oaky and dense with rustic and sweet aromas. The palate and finish align with the aroma and the whole whiskey comes across perfectly balanced.
In order to really make sure I was tasting this properly I tasted it next to the Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Decades and without hesitation I can say I prefer the Revival. Both are great whiskeys, but the depth and heaviness the Oloroso finish lends to well-aged Wild Turkey bourbon is just astounding. Well done Eddie.
SCORE: 91/100 (A-)
Wild Turkey Master's Keep Revival Review
- Nose - 91
- Palate - 92
- Finish - 92
- Balance, Body & Feel - 91
Wild Turkey Master's Keep Revival Review Summary
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Revival is awesome. A fantastic whiskey.
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