Wild Turkey Master's Keep Decades

Oak and peanut notes.

This didn't blow me away but is still a great pour.

Nose: The density and richness here are higher than the proof would suggest, though there's no "burn" or challenge to accompany it. Classic charred oak, vanilla, and salted caramel here. All the baking spices you'd want are here, too. Roasted nuts, fresh ripe fruits, and dark chocolate. There's a level of craft and refinement on display that I really appreciate. An amazing expression of a bourbon that even my Islay-exclusive girlfriend beingwas able to appreciate. There's a buttermilk biscuit quality, as well, complete with salted butter brushed on top. Maple bacon. On top of it all is a delicate layer of orange oil and sweet flowers. Palate: The theme from the nose carries over, though here things lean more into the drier side. There's still the classic trio of oak, vanilla, and brown sugar, but the brown sugar has stepped back to allow the oak to reveal itself a little more. Orange peel and pith. Freshly ground cinnamon, clove, and anise, with a thread of sublte mint buried in there. The bite here is oak-driven instead of ethanol and it works. This is a rare exception where I'm not left disappointed over the proof - this seems to be exactly where it should be. A touch of tart cherry, too, along with a little fresh, unfiltered apple juice. This hits the entire palate and is very well balanced. Medium heavy mouthfeel. Finish: Oak, char, leather, and tobacco. Sweet oranges, apple pie, and bubblegum. Lactones come up next, along with a little mint and fennel. And then we ride out on a medium long finish, with the cinnamon and oak trading focus back and forth. Other notes: With these notes, this probably sounds like most other bourbons. The difference here is the level of quality on display. Kind of like comparing pre-ground spices to ones you've freshly ground yourself. It's the same essence, just better and fuller. I can easily suggest this to anybody that enjoys the Wild Turkey profile - I have yet to be disappointed by a single thing they make and this is no exception. However, the cost here is worth a mention - if you're not sure whether or not you should take the plunge, I might hold off. Though if you're looking for that once-a-year special purchase to have on the rare special occasion, this could easily fit the bill and should fit the bill for most bourbon drinkers. Cheers!

Did a side by side with 17yr bib and honestly they tasted very similar. The Decades was a fresh crack so maybe I’ll try them together again in a few weeks to see if there’s more differentiation. Needless to say they are both great bourbons.