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Maker’s Mark 46 vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing Maker’s Mark 46 and Wild Turkey 81 reveals a matchup between a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Maker’s Mark 46 | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% 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 | ~$38 – $45 | ~$20 – $25 ~$19 less |
- 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
Maker’s Mark 46
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Maker’s Mark 46 Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 7/4 oak: Maker’s Mark 46 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Maker’s Mark 46 8 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
heat 4/2 heat: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Maker’s Mark 46 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Maker’s Mark 46: Finished with seared French oak staves inside the barrel, which adds the spice and wood that the standard bottling deliberately lacks. The most useful upgrade in the Maker's range.
- 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 Maker’s Mark 46 if you want the softness of Maker's Mark with real oak and spice layered over it with more proof behind it.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Maker’s Mark 46); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).