Wild Turkey Master's Keep Unforgotten

Experimenting with a new application - flavor tags don't capture the essence. I ended up pouring some from a friend's bottle while discussing music theory and playing guitar. To be clear, despite years of violin and an on-again, off-again relationship with guitar, my grasp of music theory is minimal. My obsession with understanding chord structure compels me to draw some rudimentary comparisons. Most chords function with three (or even two) notes. Introducing a fourth note can add complexity and create tension, much like jazz. Speaking of jazz, why limit oneself to major or minor scales when the adventurous nature of pentatonic scales and the subtlety of modes can make even complex concepts seem comprehensible? This spirit achieves that. The 8-9 year old rye is far from young. It's uncertain whether the mature, aged qualities originate from the rye or the 14 year old bourbon. This spirit possesses an age and complexity that suggests it could be a rye that meets barley legal requirements (akin to Russel's Reserve Single Barrel style, but aged longer). While the cost is undeniably high, it's on my wish list. The fruit, spice, dark sweetness, and extended finish meet all my criteria, suitable for the holidays or any time of year.

AROMA: Abundant caramel. Bright notes of pear or apple emerge, perhaps a touch of mild mint. Reminiscent of a dulce de leche pastry. TASTE: Significant oak and leather. A mild vanilla sweetness, almost candy-like. There's an unidentifiable candied element, possibly apple, echoing the aroma. This is exceptionally intricate with many layers of flavor. FINISH: Lingers with barrel spice, oak, and cinnamon. Very moderate and comfortable for a Bourbon. While the finish doesn't define this bourbon, it certainly doesn't detract from its quality.

Nose - Sweet dark caramel, rye and baking spice, fresh grass, vanilla, oak and black walnut wood, orange peel; appears viscous in the glass. Perhaps notes of kettle corn. Taste - A balance between sweet sugars and spicy woods, reminiscent of banana nut bread; the aging mellows it without overpowering wood notes. It remains exceptionally flavorful, complex, and delicious. Finish - Bourbon vanilla, barrel notes, spices persist but fade into increased sweetness. Spearmint, like real spearmint. Dark cherry soda. This is likely my favorite Master Keep to date.

Regarding the Masters Keep selection, this is my definite preference, alongside the 17-year bottled in bond. The nose is rich with cinnamon and hints of butterscotch. Possibly some raisin notes as well. It possesses a substantial character. On the palate, there's a remarkably balanced oak presence. The sweetness, reminiscent of sticky toffee pudding, is not excessive. The finish has an almost cherry-like quality.

Aroma: Raisins, cherries, treacle, maple syrup, cinnamon, spicy hot chocolate, cloves, vanilla, dill, spearmint, peppermint, walnuts, apple cider Palate: Vanilla, maple syrup, butterscotch, toffee, cloves, licorice, spearmint, bubble gum, stewed red apples Finish: Dill, walnuts, spearmint, vanilla, root beer, cherry cola, maple syrup, nutmeg

Glass: Glencairn, allowed to rest for 15 minutes. Appearance: Medium amber. Leaves thick, appealing legs on the glass. Nose: Hints of apple, vanilla, and toffee. Palate: Vanilla, toffee, and baking spices. Finish: Medium length with sweetness and more baking spice. Added water: No new flavors emerged. Overall: Scored 7/10. The price makes it too expensive for regular enjoyment, but it's an intriguing pour.