Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Cornerstone

A little background

With its fourth release in the Master’s Keep collection, Wild Turkey decided to dip into their aged rye whiskey stock to create Cornerstone. Everyone in the whiskey world has waited for this release for months due to the label being leaked on the TTP website and the fact Wild Turkey hasn’t had a higher age and higher strength straight rye whiskey come to market. Cornerstone is a blend of rye barrels aged from 9 to 11 years and bottled at 109 Proof. Suggested retail price of $175.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Orange caramel

Nose

Dehydrated green apple slices, mandarin oranges, hay bales, vanilla, and allspice.

Palate

Slightly above medium viscosity. Freshly baked apple tart and orange marmalade take center stage with hints of white pepper with a ginger swell towards the back of the palate.

Finish

The tart fruit notes dissipate, and you are hit with a strong black pepper prickle. As that fades a drying sensation shows up accompanied by cocoa beans and mint.

In conclusion

There is really nothing like a well-aged rye. The balance of sweet oaky vanilla and rye spice creates an experience that is both familiar and alien at the same time. Luckily given its high price tag, Cornerstone checks all the boxes that I look for in this style of whiskey while wearing its Wild Turkey punchiness on its sleeves. Although expensive, this limited release Rye Whiskey is a bottle that’s worth the price tag.