Wild Turkey Master's Keep Vertical (Part 1); Ep. 87

Masters Keep Vertical Part 1: 17 Year, Decades, 1894, and Russell's 13Dan is joined by Nick and Calvin for a Wild Turkey-heavy tasting of 3 Masters Keep expressions, kicking off a multi-part vertical through Nick’s collection. The episode is less about formal review scores and more about comparing how Eddie Russell’s blending choices, age statements, proof points, and warehouse influence show up across each bottle.In this episode, they also talk about upcoming bottle shares, Bourbon and Beyond media access, and where the Masters Keep line is headed next.#wildturkey #russellsreserve #eddierussell #bourbon #whiskey #podcast #bourbonbrassandbeyond #bourbontasting #whiskeytasting #bottleshare #bourbonandbeyond #monksroad #specialrelease #masterskeep Key topicsNick brings 3 bottles to start the Masters Keep verticalincluding 2015 17 Year, Decades, 1894, and Dan re-visits his Russell’s 13 45th AnniversaryThe 2015 17 Year stands out for its nose more than its palateDecades is praised for balance and finishThe bottle brings more proof and structure at 104 proof1894 is the most rye-forward of the first threeAt 90 proof, it is described as extremely approachable and drinkableDan, Nick, and Calvin compare how Wild Turkey has evolvedThey discuss how older releases were often made to be more drinkable and smoothThey note that newer Wild Turkey releases seem to be leaning back toward a more classic, bold Turkey profileThe conversation touches on how preferences changed as bourbon fans started chasing higher proof and more intensityRussell’s 13 45th Anniversary gets the strongest praiseThe group sees it as a return to a big caramel bomb styleAt 121.2 proof, it has the most intensity of the nightThey mention it as possibly the best Russell’s 13 they’ve had in a whileThe bottle share and Bourbon and Beyond updates are a big part of the episodeDan announces a September 25 bottle share in Louisville at Monks Road Boiler HouseThey also share that they’ve received media passes and credentials for Bourbon and BeyondDan mentions a Derek Trucks interview scheduled for Thursday between 3:30 and 4:30They preview the rest of the Masters Keep seriesNext bottles mentioned include Revival, Cornerstone Rye, Bottled in Bond, Masters Keep One, Unforgotten, Voyage, Triumph, and BeaconBeacon is described as a standout and a likely comparison point with other recent Wild Turkey releasesTimestamps00:00 - Kicking off a Masters Keep vertical with Nick and Calvin02:08 - The 2015 17 Year and its low-proof, sweet oak profile05:31 - Why the 17 Year feels lighter and less chewy than expected08:57 - Wondering whether the 17 Year would shine at barrel strength15:12 - Decades and the story behind the anniversary release16:43 - Butterscotch, cardamom, and a long finish on Decades20:36 - How the Masters Keep line fits into Wild Turkey’s evolution27:22 - Introducing 1894 and the Rickhouse A backstory31:41 - The wood, grass, and rye character of 189433:47 - Why these lower-proof bottles are so easy to keep sipping40:40 - Russell’s 13 45th Anniversary and the darker, richer color42:36 - A caramel-heavy palate with classic dusty Turkey character46:46 - Previewing Revival, Cornerstone Rye, and Bottled in Bond48:22 - The wildest bottles ahead: Unforgotten, Voyage, Triumph, and Beacon52:20 - Why the 45th Anniversary has such a strong empty-glass nose53:40 - Closing thoughts, thanks, and the next vertical plansBourbon, Brass & Beyond - https://www.bourbonbrassandbeyond.com