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Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel vs Wild Turkey 81
On paper Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel and Wild Turkey 81 are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$60 – $80 vs. ~$20 – $25) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | 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 | 94 proof (47% ABV) +13 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$60 – $80 | ~$20 – $25 ~$48 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Wild Turkey 81 does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 9/4 oak: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 9 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
nuttiness 5/2 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 8 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
heat 4/2 heat: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel: Finished in a second toasted (not charred) barrel, which produces an unmistakable toasted-marshmallow note. Sweet and heavily wooded, and one of the more distinctive finishes any major producer makes.
- 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 Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel if you want a distinctive toasted-oak, marshmallow-sweet finish you will not find in a standard bourbon with more proof behind it.
- 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, rocks (Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).