Masters Keep Vertical Part 1: 17 Year, Decades, 1894, and Russell's 13
Dan 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.
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Key topics
Nick brings 3 bottles to start the Masters Keep vertical
including 2015 17 Year, Decades, 1894, and Dan re-visits his Russell’s 13 45th Anniversary
The 2015 17 Year stands out for its nose more than its palate
Decades is praised for balance and finish
The bottle brings more proof and structure at 104 proof
1894 is the most rye-forward of the first three
At 90 proof, it is described as extremely approachable and drinkable
Dan, Nick, and Calvin compare how Wild Turkey has evolved
They discuss how older releases were often made to be more drinkable and smooth
They note that newer Wild Turkey releases seem to be leaning back toward a more classic, bold Turkey profile
The conversation touches on how preferences changed as bourbon fans started chasing higher proof and more intensity
Russell’s 13 45th Anniversary gets the strongest praise
The group sees it as a return to a big caramel bomb style
At 121.2 proof, it has the most intensity of the night
They mention it as possibly the best Russell’s 13 they’ve had in a while
The bottle share and Bourbon and Beyond updates are a big part of the episode
Dan announces a September 25 bottle share in Louisville at Monks Road Boiler House
They also share that they’ve received media passes and credentials for Bourbon and Beyond
Dan mentions a Derek Trucks interview scheduled for Thursday between 3:30 and 4:30
They preview the rest of the Masters Keep series
Next bottles mentioned include Revival, Cornerstone Rye, Bottled in Bond, Masters Keep One, Unforgotten, Voyage, Triumph, and Beacon
Beacon is described as a standout and a likely comparison point with other recent Wild Turkey releases
Timestamps
00:00 - Kicking off a Masters Keep vertical with Nick and Calvin
02:08 - The 2015 17 Year and its low-proof, sweet oak profile
05:31 - Why the 17 Year feels lighter and less chewy than expected
08:57 - Wondering whether the 17 Year would shine at barrel strength
15:12 - Decades and the story behind the anniversary release
16:43 - Butterscotch, cardamom, and a long finish on Decades
20:36 - How the Masters Keep line fits into Wild Turkey’s evolution
27:22 - Introducing 1894 and the Rickhouse A backstory
31:41 - The wood, grass, and rye character of 1894
33:47 - Why these lower-proof bottles are so easy to keep sipping
40:40 - Russell’s 13 45th Anniversary and the darker, richer color
42:36 - A caramel-heavy palate with classic dusty Turkey character
46:46 - Previewing Revival, Cornerstone Rye, and Bottled in Bond
48:22 - The wildest bottles ahead: Unforgotten, Voyage, Triumph, and Beacon
52:20 - Why the 45th Anniversary has such a strong empty-glass nose
53:40 - Closing thoughts, thanks, and the next vertical plans
Bourbon, Brass & Beyond - https://www.bourbonbrassandbeyond.com
