What Makes Master’s Keep Unforgotten Special?

Master’s Keep Unforgotten is a wild ride from Wild Turkey. This 13-year-old bourbon, blended with 8- and 9-year-old rye and finished in rye casks, is bottled at 105 proof, and honestly? It delivers. It’s the kind of whiskey that takes you on a journey from the first sniff to the last drop, showing off a perfect mix of rich bourbon sweetness and bold, spicy rye goodness. It’s smooth, complex, and packs in layers of flavor. Let’s break it down.

Nose

From the moment you pop the cork, you’re hit with a beautifully layered nose. It’s citrus-forward with a burst of tangerine peel and lemon zest, but those are quickly joined by sweeter notes like caramel, vanilla cake frosting, and honey-wheat toast. As it settles, things get even more interesting—think green apple, spiced apple, and faint maraschino cherry, with a pinch of cinnamon sugar and warm oak. The rye spice shows up, but it’s more like a subtle punch rather than a full-on knockout, keeping everything in check. It’s complex, but never overdone, with a balance that makes you want to keep sniffing.

Palate

On the palate, this whiskey really shines. Caramel and sweet oak hit first, but they’re immediately joined by a burst of dried fruit that brings both sweetness and complexity. Mid-palate, things get a little spicy—gingerbread and a hint of orange-honey sweetness round out the flavor profile. There’s a buttery smoothness here that makes everything glide effortlessly. And the richness? Oh yeah, you feel that. The 13-year bourbon and the rye just mesh perfectly, creating a full-bodied, layered experience that never gets boring.

Finish

The finish is where the magic happens. It starts with rye spice and dry oak—bold, but never overwhelming. These two elements contrast nicely with the sweeter notes from the palate, especially the cinnamon and black pepper. As it continues, you get hints of nutmeg, clove, and leather, and a touch of the fruitiness from earlier lingers, keeping things fresh. The finish is long and warming, but never harsh, with everything coming together in a balanced way. It’s a perfect send-off to a seriously satisfying sip.