Wild Turkey has a long-standing reputation for creating bold bourbons and rye whiskies that have earned their place in whiskey history. The Master’s Keep series, overseen by Master Distiller Eddie Russell, has become a way to showcase experimentation and legacy in a premium package. Among these releases, Unforgotten stands out as an ambitious blend of bourbon and rye, known in the whiskey community as a bourye.

What Is Unforgotten?

Unforgotten is the spiritual successor to Wild Turkey’s earlier bourye, Forgiven, which was originally created by accident when bourbon and rye barrels were mistakenly mingled together. That mishap led to a surprisingly well-received whiskey, and years later, Eddie Russell decided to intentionally revisit the concept with Unforgotten.

This release is a carefully crafted marriage of 13-year bourbon and 8–9-year rye, all aged and then finished together in rye casks. The idea was to highlight the best of both worlds, the richness of Wild Turkey bourbon with the spicy backbone of rye.

Tasting Notes

Nose

The aroma is inviting, opening with vanilla, oak, and a slightly herbal note. It’s elegant and layered, with more subtlety than some other Master’s Keep releases.

Palate

On the palate, Unforgotten has a viscous mouthfeel that coats the tongue nicely. A hint of soft mint emerges mid-palate, adding freshness before the rye character begins to show. The finish turns grassy, which is a drastic departure from Wild Turkey’s more familiar profile. What’s missing, however, is the brand’s signature sweet and tart balance that fans have come to expect.

Finish

The finish is long, refined, and pleasant, but leans more toward herbal rye than classic Wild Turkey bourbon sweetness.

Final Thoughts

While Unforgotten is a thoughtful release and an homage to Wild Turkey’s history, it doesn’t quite hit the high mark set by other bourye style whiskeys on the market. The grassy finish and lack of Wild Turkey’s trademark bold sweetness leave it feeling a bit incomplete.

Rating: 6.9 / 10
Good overall, but at its premium price tag, it’s hard to justify. Enthusiasts may want to try it for the story and the novelty, but those seeking value and flavor impact might find better bourye expressions elsewhere.