Once upon a whiskey-soaked time, those hard-to-miss boxes of Wild Turkey Master’s Keep expressions gathered dust on liquor store shelves, longing for the love they rightfully deserved. Fast forward to the pre-Covid era of 2019, and the tide finally turned with the release of the Master’s Keep Cornerstone. Enthusiasts found themselves on a wild goose chase to snag a bottle, and the rye renaissance began in earnest.
Now, let's take a bow to the latest star in the Master’s Keep series: Triumph. With a nod to history and a wink to innovation, this 2024 release is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of Wild Turkey’s storied past and its bright future.
The Backstory: A Rye Revelation
Rye whiskey, once the darling of American palates, took a backseat after Prohibition, becoming a neglected gem in Wild Turkey’s repertoire. Even the legendary Jimmy Russell, a bourbon aficionado, let rye gather metaphorical dust.
Enter Eddie Russell in the 2000s, shaking things up with Russell’s Reserve 6-Year-Old Rye and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye. Yet, it wasn’t until Bruce Russell, the rye revolutionary, entered the scene that rye whiskey began its triumphant return.
With a flair for flavor and a passion for rye, Bruce, known in digital circles as ‘Russell's Rye Guy,’ infused new life into Wild Turkey’s rye program. His influence is palpable in Master’s Keep Triumph, a rye that wears its heritage with pride while stepping boldly into uncharted territories.
The Aroma: A Nose to Remember
Pour a glass of Triumph, let it breathe, and prepare to be enchanted. The color is a dense amber, a prelude to the olfactory symphony that awaits. The nose greets you with mature notes of honey, warm apple butter, grilled peach, and charred oak. Imagine a summer barbecue at dusk, where the air is thick with the scent of fruit and wood. There's a hint of rickhouse—a seasoned aroma of aged barrels and nostalgia—accompanied by dried tangerine and savory spice. It’s an invitation you can’t refuse.
The Palate: A Dance of Flavors
Taking a sip, Triumph reveals its true character. A creamy mouthfeel ushers in flavors of English toffee, toasted caramel, and well-balanced oak. Baked apples and nutmeg waltz with clove and singed lemon peel, creating a dance of dark, bourbon-esque notes with warm baking spices. It’s a flavor profile that’s both familiar and unique, a testament to the artistry behind this whiskey.
When tasted alongside its predecessor, Cornerstone, the differences are striking. Cornerstone is sweeter, with brighter fruit and spice notes, like a spring day. In contrast, Triumph is autumnal—richer, darker, and more complex. It’s a bold departure from the classic Wild Turkey rye, yet unmistakably part of the same lineage.
The Finish: A Lasting Impression
The finish is robust and oak-driven, medium-long with prominent notes of oak char, semisweet cola, toasty brown sugar, cinnamon, leather, and white pepper. If you’re not a fan of charred oak, you might find this finish challenging. But for those who revel in complexity, Triumph offers a satisfying conclusion. It’s a warm embrace, leaving you with a lingering spice that’s both comforting and invigorating.
A Triumph Indeed
Master’s Keep Triumph asks an important question: What type of rye do you prefer? If you lean towards fruity, zesty, and vibrant profiles, you might find joy in Rare Breed Rye or Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye.
But if you appreciate a richer, oak-influenced Kentucky rye, Triumph deserves an elevated place in your collection.
In the grand tapestry of Wild Turkey’s rye legacy, Triumph is a bold new thread, woven with care and passion. It’s not merely a whiskey; it’s a literally triumphant statement—a testament to the Russell family’s dedication and Bruce’s innovative spirit, whose passion for rye has rekindled a flame that burns brighter than ever.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Wild Turkey.