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Four Roses Bourbon vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing Four Roses Bourbon and Wild Turkey 81 reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Four Roses Bourbon | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 | ~$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
Four Roses Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Four Roses Bourbon Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 6/3 fruit: Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Four Roses Bourbon 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
oak 3/4 oak: Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
heat 2/2 heat: Four Roses Bourbon 2 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- Four Roses Bourbon: The yellow label entry point, blending all ten Four Roses recipes at a gentle 80 proof. Light and fruity to a fault, but the house floral character is already recognisable and it mixes beautifully.
- 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 Four Roses Bourbon if you want the Four Roses fruit-and-floral signature at its lightest and cheapest.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Four Roses Bourbon); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).