Wild Turkey Master's Keep Voyage | Bourbon Review
Distillery: Wild Turkey
Company: Campari Group
Proof: 106 proof
Mash bill: 75% corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley
Age: 10 years old
MSRP: $275
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, and Affiliate Partner of other products discussed on my website I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not cost you anything extra and helps me keep this website running. All of my reviews and recommendations are my own and not influenced by any sponsorships or collaborations.
Fool Proof Rating and Summary of Tasting Notes
Color: Deep copper
Nose: Tropical fruit—bananas, pineapple, citrus—with rich oak and hints of vanilla, caramel, and toasted coconut.
Palate: Robust oak leads, followed by caramel, vanilla, molasses, and tropical fruits like mango. Cinnamon and nutmeg spices add complexity.
Finish: Long and warm with oak, balanced by lingering rum sweetness and a touch of earthy spice.
Mouthfeel: Silky smooth, rich, and viscous, with a thicker, luxurious texture from the rum cask finish.
See below for an in-depth review.
Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.
*$100 or more
For all my tastings I use either the Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass or a traditional Glencairn glass. They both are great for nosing and help in discerning more subtle notes.
In-Depth Review of Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage Rum Finished Bourbon
Wild Turkey, one of the most iconic names in bourbon, has a knack for pushing the boundaries of whiskey innovation. Their *Master’s Keep* series, known for its limited releases and experimental batches, is a treasure trove for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The latest gem in the series, *Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage*, takes inspiration from an unusual source—the world of rum. Yes, you heard that right. This bourbon is all about blending the heritage of Kentucky whiskey with the tropical allure of Jamaican rum casks.
But before we dive into the taste and feel of this rare release, let’s take a look at the history behind Wild Turkey and how they ended up sailing into uncharted waters with *Voyage*.
A Legacy of Tradition and Innovation
Wild Turkey’s story stretches back to 1940 when distillery executive Thomas McCarthy took some whiskey on a wild turkey hunting trip. His friends loved the bourbon so much they started asking for “Wild Turkey bourbon,” and thus, a legend was born. Located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Wild Turkey is known for sticking to tradition while never shying away from innovation.
In recent years, under the stewardship of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and his son, Eddie, Wild Turkey has blended its time-honored practices with fresh, creative takes on bourbon. Enter the *Master’s Keep* series, which debuted in 2015 as a way to release unique, high-end expressions. From extra-aged bourbons to rare finishes, this collection has become a hallmark of the brand's willingness to experiment.
Voyage is their latest offering, taking a 10-year-old Kentucky bourbon and finishing it in Jamaican rum casks. Eddie Russell partnered with Joy Spence, Master Blender at Appleton Estate, to bring this bold vision to life. Jamaican rum casks impart an exotic richness to the whiskey, adding layers of flavor that complement Wild Turkey's trademark boldness.
Now, let’s set sail on this sensory journey.
Nose: A Sweet, Fruity Breeze with Rich Oak Anchors
As you bring the glass to your nose, you’re immediately hit with a warm wave of tropical fruit—ripe bananas, pineapple, and a splash of citrus. But it’s not all fruit on the nose. There’s a solid undercurrent of deep, rich oak that keeps things grounded. That oak brings out subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and even a little bit of toasted coconut. The rum influence is unmistakable, but the bourbon backbone remains strong, reminding you of its Kentucky roots. This is a whiskey with layers, and they all play nicely together.
Palate: A Full-Bodied Blend of Spice and Sweet
On the palate, *Voyage* really shows its wild side. The rich oak from the nose becomes more dominant, delivering a beautifully robust flavor. You get those classic bourbon notes like caramel, vanilla, and spice, but the rum cask adds a fascinating twist. There’s a molasses sweetness that mingles with brown sugar and tropical fruits like mango and banana. The wood spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—dance around the edges, keeping your taste buds on high alert. It’s a complex, full-bodied sip with waves of flavor that ebb and flow.
Finish: Long and Warming with an Oak-Driven Kick
The finish is where *Voyage* truly comes into its own. It’s long, warm, and full of character. Those rich oak notes are ever-present, but they’re not overpowering. Instead, they’re balanced by a lingering sweetness from the rum cask, creating a finish that feels like an extended vacation in the tropics—minus the sunburn. There’s also a hint of earthy spice that leaves a nice tingle on the tongue as it fades, beckoning you back for another sip.
Mouthfeel: Smooth Sailing with a Silky Texture
Voyage delivers a velvety smooth mouthfeel, gliding across your palate like a well-oiled ship. It’s rich and viscous without being heavy, making each sip a luxurious experience. The rum finish gives it a slightly thicker texture than your standard bourbon, but that only adds to the intrigue. It feels like sipping liquid silk, with just enough bite to remind you it’s still bourbon at heart.
Fool Proof Rating: 90%
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage is a daring and delicious detour into rum-finished bourbon. The rich oak plays perfectly with the tropical sweetness of the rum cask, creating a well-balanced, complex whiskey that will make you want to take your taste buds on a round-the-world cruise. With each sip, it reveals new depths of flavor, proving that sometimes, it’s good to leave shore and explore the unknown. A definite must-try for adventurous bourbon lovers!
Check out my review of Blanton's Gold Edition
Check out my review of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel here.
Check out my review of Eagle Rare 17 Year here also from Buffalo Trace Distillery
Check out my review of Van Winkle 12 Year Lot B here also from Buffalo Trace Distillery
Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.
*$100 or more
I would love to hear from you! Drop me a comment below and let me know what you think of this whiskey.
Below are my favorite glasses for doing tastings. The Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass is my favorite because it has a little more heft to it and feels better in my hand than the traditional Glencairn glass does.
Comments