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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Wild Turkey 81
Put Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof next to Wild Turkey 81 and you have a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight set against a classic, corn-forward stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +49 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$20 – $25 ~$115 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Wild Turkey 81 do not publish an official mash bill.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
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/2 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
oak 8/4 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
nuttiness 6/2 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof: E.H. Taylor straight from the barrel. Very hot and nutty, with toasted pecan, dark sugar and heavy oak; the proof changes with each batch.
- 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 Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon 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 and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).