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Charles Goodnight Bourbon vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing Charles Goodnight Bourbon and Wild Turkey 81 reveals a matchup between an uncut, spice-driven heavyweight and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Charles Goodnight Bourbon | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 6 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +34 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $80 | ~$20 – $25 ~$55 less |
- Wild Turkey 81 does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Charles Goodnight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Charles Goodnight Bourbon Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 8/2 heat: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
oak 8/4 oak: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
spice 7/4 spice: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
fruit 6/3 fruit: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Charles Goodnight Bourbon: A barrel-strength Texas bourbon. The hot Texas climate pulls a lot of oak in six years, giving deep wood, brown sugar and dark fruit with plenty of rye spice.
- Wild Turkey 81: The same mash bill and No. 4 char as Wild Turkey 101, cut to 81 proof. Honey and toffee come through clearly, but the body and spice are much lighter.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Charles Goodnight Bourbon if you want a bold, oak-heavy Texas bourbon at barrel strength with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Charles Goodnight Bourbon); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).