Wild Turkey Rye Master's Keep "Cornerstone" 109 Proof Rye Whiskey

Some bottles whisper; this one roars. Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Cornerstone is the fourth release in the Master’s Keep series and the distillery’s first, longest-aged, and once-highest-proof rye whiskey, built from 9 to 11-year-old Kentucky straight rye stocks.

Eddie Russell hand-picked a secret lot of his boldest rye barrels in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, then married them at 109 proof to showcase just how layered and expressive American rye can be.

The first impression feels almost ceremonial. In the glass, Cornerstone leans into that classic Wild Turkey profile but bends it toward rye: vanilla and warm baking spice wrapped around black pepper, toasted rye bread, and charred oak. Honey and baked apple notes slide in behind, lending the whiskey a fruit-sweet core that softens its spicy edges, making them feel less sharp or austere. It smells like a bakery at dawn and a rickhouse in late summer had the same vivid dream.

On the palate, the drama deepens in slow, confident waves. That rye mash bill drives flavors of cracked pepper, toasted grain, and seasoned oak, but they come wrapped in lemon honey, baked orchard fruit, caramel, and a touch of cocoa. Texturally, it’s viscous, almost oily, gliding across the tongue with a balance of sweetness, spice, and char that never tips too far in any direction. One sip feels generous; a second sip feels downright luxurious.

The finish is where Cornerstone really flexes. Spice and oak linger for a long, confident fade, carrying hints of tobacco leaf, chocolate-covered coconut, and a dry, herbal snap that keeps your palate engaged.

At 109 proof, it’s powerful but controlled, especially neat or with a single cube, rewarding slow sipping rather than quick pours. This is the kind of limited Kentucky rye that collectors chase, but it’s also the sort of bottle that begs to be opened, savored, and argued about late into the night.

Nose: The nose opens with warm vanilla and toasted rye, immediately signaling a serious Kentucky straight rye whiskey. Black pepper, baked apple, and honey drift up next, woven with graham cracker, citrus peel, and a faint medicinal cherry note. A gentle undercurrent of old leather and hay barn adds depth, making the aroma feel rustic yet unmistakably polished.

Palate: The first sip lands rich and viscous, blending lemon honey, caramel, and baked orchard fruit with assertive rye spice. Toasted grain, seasoned oak, and a flicker of cigar ash frame the sweetness, keeping everything grounded and serious. Dark berries, coconut, and a hint of cocoa emerge with each breath, turning every return sip into a fresh little discovery.

Finish: The finish runs long, bold, and clean, pulsing with sweet spice, oak, and lingering black pepper. Chocolate-covered coconut, tobacco, and a subtle herbal bitterness create a satisfying, grown-up edge. Long after the last sip, you still feel a glow of rye heat and charred oak quietly humming along.

Big rye calls for bold food. This bottle loves richly marbled ribeye, especially grilled over hardwood with a peppery char and herb butter. The steak’s fat amplifies Cornerstone’s honeyed sweetness and smoky oak while its pepper crust locks onto the rye spice.

Smoked brisket or burnt ends make another inspired partner. The meat’s deep smoke and caramelized bark echo the whiskey’s toasted rye, brown sugar, and tobacco tones. For something simpler, try a stacked pastrami on rye with sharp mustard; it’s a playful, delicious flavor mirror.

Cheese boards work beautifully here. Aged Gouda, nutty comté, or crumbly cheddar spotlight the whiskey’s caramel, nut, and vanilla layers without overwhelming its peppery structure. Add toasted pecans or candied walnuts, and every sip feels even more decadent.

When dessert calls, reach for dark chocolate. Think high-cacao bars with sea salt, orange peel, or espresso, which tease out Cornerstone’s cocoa, citrus, and spice notes. Pecan pie, gingerbread, or an apple tart with brown sugar crumble will also flatter those baked-apple and baking-spice threads. Want a late-night indulgence? Pour a small glass alongside a good cigar and let the finish do the talking.