For nearly a decade, the Wild Turkey Master’s Keep collection has stood as one of bourbon’s most anticipated limited releases—a proving ground where tradition met experimentation. This September, that journey finds its final chapter in Master’s Keep Beacon, a 118-proof blend of 10- and 16-year-old bourbons crafted by Master Distiller Eddie Russell and his son, Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell.
A Decade of Boundary-Pushing Bourbon
Launched in 2015, the Master’s Keep series was Eddie Russell’s way of pushing beyond the iconic Wild Turkey core lineup without losing sight of the distillery’s bold, uncompromising style. Over ten releases—17 Year, Decades, Revival, Cornerstone, Bottled in Bond, One, Unforgotten, Voyage, Triumph, and now Beacon—the series has consistently landed on “best-of” lists and earned acclaim from both critics and collectors.
With Beacon, the Russells have drawn on not just rickhouse reserves, but decades of family history. For Eddie, the 16-year-old component came from barrels distilled between 2007 and 2008 in the original Wild Turkey distillery, just before its 2011 expansion. For Bruce, the 10-year-old selection distilled in 2015 represented his first steps alongside his father and grandfather, Hall of Fame Master Distiller Jimmy Russell.
The result is the series’ highest-proof release, a blend that embodies both legacy and continuity.
Tasting Notes: Beacon’s Flavor Journey
The whiskey opens with aromas of dark fruit and cherry layered over honey, vanilla, and cola. On the palate, sweet notes of caramelized sugar, toffee, and tea are balanced by warm baking spice, while the finish lingers with mature oak and leather—a reminder of the long arc of time in each sip. At 118 proof (59% ABV), Beacon delivers intensity without sacrificing finesse, making it both collectible and drinkable.
A Family Legacy Etched in Bourbon
Eddie Russell reflected on the journey:
“When we set out ten years ago to launch the Master’s Keep series, we knew we had something special but I never imagined the journey it would take us on,” said Russell. “Looking back a decade later, I’m very proud of what we’ve created to date, and looking forward to what’s next.”
For Bruce Russell, Beacon is especially personal:
“This final release feels especially meaningful, as the first Master’s Keep with my signature on the bottle and made using bourbon I helped create during some of my earliest days at the distillery,” he said. “I’m proud to leave my mark on this iconic collection with a bourbon that represents a meaningful chapter in my own journey, and paves the way for the road ahead.”
Availability and Price
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Beacon will be available globally in limited quantities beginning September 2025, at a suggested retail price of $300 per bottle.
For collectors, this is the culmination of one of the most respected series in American whiskey. For Wild Turkey, it’s both an ending and a signal of what’s still to come. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
Previous Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Editions:
Wild Turkey Unveils Oldest Ever Rye, Master’s Keep Triumph
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Voyage Is Their First Rum Cask Finished Bourbon
Wild Turkey Mixes Bourbon And Rye In Latest Master’s Keep Edition, Unforgotten
Wild Turkey Unveils Master’s Keep One
