Wild Turkey Master's Keep Cornerstone Rye

I was thrilled to finally get my hands on a bottle of Masters Keep, especially since this is a rye release, which is typically a favorite of mine. Initially sampled and tasted neat. Aroma: Despite the high alcohol content, it's smooth and not overpowering. Vanilla and cinnamon are the initial scents, but further investigation reveals more complexity. Notes of freshly picked dill are layered in, along with an underlying sweetness. The initial cinnamon hit I perceived may have been due to the alcohol and is no longer detectable. Adding water further enhances the vanilla and slightly moderates the spice, as expected. Palate: The high proof is much more apparent on the palate than the nose during the first taste. It's warming and sweet. The initial rich impression gives way to a pleasant sharp spice, along with a hint of that dill noted earlier. A few drops of water bring out more vanilla richness (and also extend the pour!). The extended aging of this rye truly allows the oak flavors to integrate, creating a beautiful harmony where individual components are difficult to discern. Another splash of the full proof presents a forward vanilla and custard profile. Finish: This is where the oak and rye spices truly shine. The spices and oak tannins continue to interact on the back of my palate. Vanilla and these flavors linger delightfully. Overall, I am impressed. I'm a fan of Wild Turkey and have sampled some of the earlier Masters Keep versions. This is a very rich rye that retains the essence of a fine rye while balancing it with sweetness and a well-aged bourbon-like character. I feel very fortunate to own and savor a bottle of this caliber.

Aroma: The aroma immediately presents the scent of rye bread fresh from the oven, accompanied by sweet honey butter. A baking spice note becomes increasingly noticeable with each sip, but the initial impression is primarily a balanced blend of rye grain, sweetness, and almost savory characteristics. It's highly enjoyable. Palate: A rye grain note appears and swiftly disappears from the top of the tongue. This is followed by an intense wave of apple pie spice on the midpalate. The apple pie spice then transforms into a flavor reminiscent of potpourri, though decidedly not floral; it maintains a spicy profile. This spirit is viscous and coats the roof of the mouth. Finish: The finish commences with the spicy notes from the palate and ultimately concludes with a honey sweetness and fresh apple. The duration is quite substantial. It certainly didn't last forever, but significantly longer than the typical finish. Overall: Considerably more delicate than I would have anticipated. I'm accustomed to ryes (or at least the well-regarded ones) having a very strong berry syrup flavor. This offered a very welcome change. I'm uncertain if I'd purchase another, but I have absolutely no regrets about this one. The combination of sweetness, spice, and mouthfeel positions this as a top-tier rye.

Served neat. Opened over six months ago. After reviewing Rare Breed Rye earlier today, I decided to have a pour of Cornerstone. It's been a while. Based on my memory, I recall this as one of the finest Ryes I've ever experienced. It's time to see if it still holds up to that reputation. The aroma of this is simply perfect. The rye presents itself as a fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon roll coated in vanilla frosting. Beautiful citrus notes of orange and lemon. A hint of freshly cracked pepper. A whisper of salted chocolate. Honestly, on paper, it shares the same notes as Rare Breed Rye, but Rare Breed Rye isn't fresh from the oven; it's been sitting out for a few days. It feels like silk on the tongue. Vanilla frosting initially, then deepens into charred caramel. The cinnamon roll flavor comes through in the taste with a hint of refreshing orange. The oak is particularly evident in the legs, presenting as salted chocolate. I need to secure a backup bottle of this while it's still available. It's close to the pinnacle of what a rye can be.

I received this bottle as a very generous gift from my favorite friend. I've wanted to try this for some time and am ecstatic to have a bottle of my own. Initial tasting was at the original proof, but at 54.5%, it's a bit hot for me. I added water to bring it down to about 47%, which is my sweet spot. Nose: Some ripe red apples and perhaps a slight hint of peach. However, vanilla and caramel stand out to me here. I think caramel apples is a good overall summary of the nose. Palate: Initially salted caramel, but the delicious rye spice quickly emerges. Pepper and cinnamon are prominent here. Finish: Long and spicy. More pepper, and then a really gentle bitterness persists on the back of the palate for some time. Overall, this is fantastic, and I'm definitely grateful for my excellent friend.

Today's the eleventh of December, and I'm planning on sampling a new rye whiskey each day for the rest of the month. While my expertise with rye isn't as lacking as my Scotch knowledge was at this point last year, I'm definitely open to recommendations for excellent ryes. With objectives now established (it's beneficial to have objectives), there are specific bottles I'd appreciate assistance in locating. Please share your most assertive selection. Objectives (summarized): Five ryes. Four and a half stars. Easy to find. (Two out of five, Wild Turkey 101, WhistlePig 10) I aim to discern the distinction between any bourbon and any rye. First attempt. One of these must be an Empire Rye. I'm looking for a bold rye. I want the one that tastes less appealing than Wild Turkey Masters Keep 17 Year Old Bottled in Bond. The one in the blue box. My apologies, Wild Turkey, you should be embarrassed.

This spirit is exquisite. Age: 9-11 years Aroma: cherry cough drops, caramel, vanilla, baking spices. Palate: Extremely viscous and syrupy. The cherry menthol tingles the front of the tongue, then is swept away by spice, creating a wonderful warmth. It coats every part of the mouth. Glorious. Finish: Possibly the finest finish I've encountered on a rye. It persists and persists... still going. Lingers as long as an Islay, but with sweetness and spice instead of ash. Ultimately, I consider this a standout. I've savored 4 pours since purchasing it a few months ago. While some claim they can't identify it as a Wild Turkey product, I believe enthusiasts of Turkey can recognize it; the cherry spice gives it away. Fantastic spirit. Ready for the Rare Breed rye!