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Evan Williams Black Label vs Wild Turkey 81
Evan Williams Black Label and Wild Turkey 81 are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is proof (86 vs. 81).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | 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 | 86 proof (43% ABV) +5 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$7 less | ~$20 – $25 |
- 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
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 4/2 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
heat 3/2 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- Evan Williams Black Label: The everyday black label, and a perfectly competent well bourbon. Softer and sweeter than the bonded version, with less to say but nothing objectionable.
- 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 Evan Williams Black Label if you want a dependable, inexpensive mixing bourbon and nothing more complicated than that at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).