In 2010, a Wild Turkey crew member accidentally blended young rye into a barrel of mature bourbon. Master Distiller Eddie Russell tasted it, recognized something special, and bottled it as Wild Turkey Forgiven. Over a decade later, Unforgotten is the intentional, elevated follow-up — the 8th release in the prestigious Master's Keep series. Eddie blended 13-year-old bourbon with some of the oldest rye Wild Turkey has ever released (8 and 9 year old), then finished the entire blend in used rye casks inside pre-Prohibition Rickhouse B — his father Jimmy Russell's favorite rickhouse. The result is unlike anything else in the Wild Turkey portfolio: bold, mature, fruit-forward, and layered with rye spice.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Wild Turkey Distillery, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
| Master Distiller |
Eddie Russell |
| Type |
Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskies, finished in rye casks |
| Series |
Master's Keep — 8th release |
| Bourbon Component |
13 years — 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Rye Component |
8 & 9 years — 51% rye, 37% corn, 12% malted barley |
| Finish |
Secondary aging in used rye casks, Rickhouse B |
| Availability |
Limited Edition — Batch No. 0001 |
| Proof |
105 Proof |
| ABV |
52.5% |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States, Kentucky |
Tasting Notes
Color: Rich amber with warm copper tones
Nose: Fruit-forward — caramel, honey, lemon curd, stewed pear, and caraway spice. Opens beautifully with time in the glass.
Palate: Caramel, dried fig, dried apricot, sweet oak, and gingerbread. Silky with layers of baking spice and subtle chocolate. Rye-dominant but beautifully balanced.
Finish: Long and assertive — black pepper, toasted oak, nutmeg, cinnamon, and lingering fruit.
FAQ
What is the connection to Wild Turkey Forgiven?
Forgiven (2013) was an accidental blend of young rye and mature bourbon. Unforgotten is the intentional, decade-later evolution — older whiskies, a rye cask finish, and a proper Master's Keep release.
Is this a bourbon or a rye?
Neither exclusively. It blends aged straight bourbon and aged straight rye, finished in rye casks — one of the few American whiskeys to do this. Rye-dominant in character with bourbon richness underneath.
Where can I buy Wild Turkey Master's Keep Unforgotten online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast, insured shipping nationwide.
