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David Nicholson Reserve vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Wild Turkey 81 is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (100 vs. 81).
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +19 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 | ~$20 – $25 ~$13 less |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Wild Turkey 81 do not publish an official mash bill.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
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/2 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
fruit 3/3 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- David Nicholson Reserve: The rye-recipe sibling to the 1843, with extra age. Toasty oak and rye spice give it more backbone, and the spice stays put through a long, warm finish.
- 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 David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).