Wild Turkey “Master’s Keep – Decades” Bourbon at K&L California – American Whiskey News
Wild Turkey “Master’s Keep – Decades” Bourbon ($129.99)
The second release in the Master’s Keep series, the Wild Turkey “Decades” is a marriage of casks aged between 10 to 20 years that, in my opinion, is a huge step up from the previous 17 year old release for a number of reasons. The first: it’s bottled at a higher 52% ABV that really adds lift and vigor to the richness and spice of the whiskey. Whereas the 17 year was quite mellow and soft having been aged in a brick warehouse off-site, the Decades is bold and quite lively. Second reason: whereas the 17 year was a marriage of similar casks, the Decades is a marriage of whiskies between 10 – 20 years old, carefully constructed so that the best parts of each barrel highlight one another. Think of this as Wild Turkey’s version of the Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition – mature casks, blended with skill to create a whiskey greater than the simple sum of its components. Everything about the Decades tastes fantastic. There’s plenty of sweetness, a roundness of fruit, loads of baking spices like clove and cinnamon, and a bold, mouthwatering finish. There’s no need to add water, but you can if you like. Perhaps the whiskey’s greatest strength is its immediate accessibility and gorgeous bottle, making it the perfect gift for any Bourbon lover. As someone who’s tried pretty much every Bourbon in the book, I’m planning on adding the Decades to my collection. But I can just as easily imagine the casual whiskey drinker being absolutely wowed by this. – David Driscoll, Assistant Head Buyer
Wild Turkey “Master’s Keep – Decades” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($129.99)
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 15, 2017
It’s no secret that I love Wild Turkey. Whether it’s the incredible commitment to quality, the wonderful people, the gorgeous new distillery (sentimentality for Old Ripy aside it’s truly a masterpiece of modern engineering), but of course the real reason we love the Kickin’ Chicken is the whisky is fabulous. And it was fitting that I got to sample Wild Turkey’s new Decades release along side the youngest member of the Russell family to join the WT team, Bruce Russell. The decades contains the oldest whisky ever released by WT and is a mile stone for Jimmy, Eddie, and Bruce (I’m going with Brucey). Bruce will soon begin learning from his Father and grandfather the art of bourbon, after several years of learning to sell whisky in Texas and I was glad to have finally met over a glass of his predecessor’s the legacy. I immediately knew that the Wild Turkey name would be in good hands for decades to come, no pun intended, and look forward to many years of tasting great whisky with this man despite however big the shoes he must fill are. Bruce is down to earth and fun, but this whisky is serious as hell. Apparently it was originally going to be a blend of 20 and 15 year old – as these old stocks had been located at some offsite warehouses. Campari only managed to digitize their whisky inventory in 2010 and experimental batches where hidden all over Kentucky. The original blend would have been made up of these old casks but for the protests of Mr. Jimmy Russell. He likes that whisky at 10 years old and felt the older stocks lack the distinctive flavor profile he expected from his bourbon. So they added a bit of 10 year (apparently about as much 10 as 20) and most of the blend is 14-16 year old whiskies. The result is something wonderfully complex and full of deep dense bourbon spice, a twinge of herbaceous mint and nutty roasted vanilla. A big bold classic WT in a way that last years 17 was distinctly not. Tons of texture at 104 proof and sweet caramel finish. I’m not surprised to love this but I absolutely do!
Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 15, 2017
Finding both rare and extremely good bourbon that can be a gift (for you or if necessary someone else) has become a difficult task. Good, aged bourbon is increasingly scarce in the market, and while I love just good everyday bourbon sometimes you need that bottle that will catch the eye and the imagination. Enter the Wild Turkey Decades, the new expression from Master’s Keep collection. Essentially this is a blend of carefully selected barrels of older Wild Turkey, the nose is warm, sweet and inviting with vanilla and candy corn notes. The palate shows a soft richness with rising heat and spice from the 104 proof. This bottle showcase the depth and breadth of Wild Turkey that few other places can boast, a supple smoothness that speaks to craft.
Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 15, 2017
This Bourbon offers what a mature whiskey should. It has concentrated flavors that are subtle and delicate . It is mellow and easy to drink with caramel and honey notes that are harmonious. This Bourbon is about nuance and flavor. What really stands out is the long delicious finish.
Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 15, 2017
I feel strongly that this Decades bottling from Wild Turkey is the best Bourbon in the store, and I haven’t tasted anything this good in a long time. Instead of doing a series of single barrel releases to go after collectors money, Eddie Russell has put together a masterpiece by blending some of the best stuff in the vast Wild Turkey stocks. The synergy of these whiskeys is obvious at first sniff, and I have to pinch myself when I get to taste something this good at work! This has cream, caramel, and a hint of something savory that makes it beguiling to return to. If you want to treat yourself to an unforgettable bottle, look no further!
