Compare
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Wild Turkey 81 is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by price (~$55 – $65 vs. ~$20 – $25).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | 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 | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) +9 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$20 – $25 ~$38 less |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Wild Turkey 81 do not publish an official mash bill.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
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 7/4 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
fruit 6/3 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
heat 4/2 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old: The older, drier sibling of Jefferson's Very Small Batch. Buttery toffee and dried fruit sit on a firm, slightly smoky oak backbone, and the finish turns peppery and long.
- 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 Jefferson's Reserve Very Old if you want a mature, oak-driven blend with dried fruit and a dry, peppery finish at an easy proof.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).