The 2023 release of Wild Turkey Master’s Keep, titled Voyage, is top notch Wild Turkey Bourbon aged 10 years then finished in Appleton Estate Rum Casks that aged rum for 14 years, non-chill filtered. Call this an intra-Campari project, as Campari owns both Wild Turkey and Appleton Estate. This is pricey – I paid $285. However, my father and brother are both rum heads and I have a taste for rum. I read reviews though before I bought this, and I am betting this release will be polarizing for some. This is bottled at 104 proof.

The color is a nice solid amber; not as dark as some other Master’s Keep releases. On the swirl is a thick film and slow dripping legs. On the nose are nice vanilla bourbon notes with sweet rum notes of caramelized brown sugar. On the palate, there are nice vanilla, caramel, candied apple, maple syrup, and molasses notes, along with wonderful oak notes. Really really smooth. The apple and pear notes you often find on Wild Turkey limited releases really pairs well with the rum casks. On the finish candied apples, molasses, and oak linger and linger.

One side note. Don’t judge this solely on the first sip; the palate takes a sip or two to acclimate and pick up all of these wonderful flavor notes. As my wife put it, the second sip is way better than the first.

And a second side note. Glen Grant, also owned by Campari group that is aged in used Wild Turkey barrels, ought to look at finishing some of their wonderful scotch in Appleton Estate casks.

I am really enjoying this release of Master’s Keep.