Wild Turkey, a brand of Campari Group, unveiled the newest release of its award-winning Master’s Keep series: Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Unforgotten, a high proof, extra-aged variation of the harmonious blend of straight bourbon and rye whiskies.

This year’s release is notable for the story behind the creation of the bottle, as well as the history behind the collection as a whole, the company says. The idea to marry straight bourbon and rye whiskies of Wild Turkey Distilling Co. was born in 2010 when Master Distiller Eddie Russell accidentally mixed a batch of young rye with a barrel of mature bourbon, it notes.

“Twelve years ago, I tasted the result of the distillery mishap that would become Wild Turkey Forgiven and was amazed. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew we had stumbled upon something special,” Russell said in a statement. “Master’s Keep Unforgotten pays homage to this happy accident, perfected with a secondary rye barrel aging in our pre-prohibition Rickhouse B — the favorite of my father, Master Distiller Jimmy Russell.”

Staying true to the spirit and distilling traditions that have defined Wild Turkey for the past 80 years, Unforgotten honors the storied history of American rye production through a bourbon lens, it says. On the nose, the 13-year-old bourbon and eight- to nine-year-old rye is fruit-forward with notes of caramel and oak, the company notes. On the palate, the flavor profile consists of a swirl of caramel, dried fruit, and sweet oak — complemented by notes of dried fruit, honey, black pepper, and baking spice from the eight- and nine-year-old ryes on the finish, it says.

Bottled at 105 proof (52.5% ABV), the limited-edition Master's Keep Unforgotten is available to purchase at select retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $200. 

www.wildturkey.com