Emma Jones
A Journey into the World of Wild Turkey’s Master’s Keep Voyage: The Remarkable Rum-Finished Bourbon
For any bourbon enthusiast, there’s always something exciting about exploring new and creative profiles from master distillers. And the Wild Turkey brand has certainly taken creative ambition to new heights with their Master’s Keep Voyage, a rum-finished bourbon that stands out as one of their most intriguing releases.
The Legacy of Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey, an iconic American brand, has etched its name deep in the annals of bourbon history with its unique distilling methods and unmistakable taste. Their commitment to producing high-quality, traditional bourbons has won them a massive following and respect from global whiskey communities.
Enter The Master’s Keep Voyage
This latest offering, however, seeks to please not just the traditional bourbon lovers, but also those who appreciate a surprise in their glass. This remarkable expression, the Master’s Keep Voyage, is a rum-finished bourbon that adds a luscious twist to the Wild Turkey we know and love.
The Inspiration Behind the Voyage
The Master’s Keep Voyage is aptly named, as it pays tribute to a historical journey. The whiskey’s creation process is a tale of centuries-old traditions and the modern desire to experiment and push boundaries. Wild Turkey’s Master Distillers, Jimmy and Eddie Russell, were inspired by the American liquor’s seafaring history, when barrels of rum and bourbon were stacked together during oceanic voyages.
The Distilling and Maturation Process
What sets this bourbon apart from the rest is its maturation process in rum casks. The Master’s Keep Voyage starts aging in new charred oak barrels, steeped in a classic American bourbon tradition. The whiskey is then finished in first-fill rum casks, which imparts notes of caramelized sugar and tropical fruit that meld seamlessly with the corn and rye backbone of the bourbon.
Tasting Notes: A Delightful Surprise
On the nose, the Master’s Keep Voyage offers a bouquet of vanilla, brown sugar, dried fruit, and toasted oak. Once sipped, it opens up a wide array of flavors. There’s the traditional bourbon sensation of carmel and spices upfront, but this quickly gives way to a delightful undercurrent of sweetness – molasses, ripe banana, and tropical fruit. The finish lingers with a dash of spice meeting the complexity of a dark, aged rum. The end result is a harmonious blend that beautifully walks the line between a robust bourbon and a sweet, tropical rum.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Your Voyage?
Whether you’re a bourbon traditionalist or an adventurous spirit, the Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage is sure to take your palate on an unexpected journey. A superbly crafted whiskey that’s innovative and rooted in history at the same time, this rum-finished bourbon is indeed a voyage worth embarking on. While its price point may be a bit steep for some, the unique and delicious experience it offers is worth every penny.
The Master’s Keep Voyage reminds us that when a brand such as Wild Turkey dares to innovate while staying true to its roots, the results can be brilliantly surprising and intensely satisfying.
The Next Pour
So the next time you’re at your go-to liquor store or you see a bottle of this distinctive rum-finished bourbon at a friend’s house party, do yourself a favor and pour a glass. This is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and the joy of unexpected flavor combinations. Happy tasting!
