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Maker’s Mark Cask Strength vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing Maker’s Mark Cask Strength and Wild Turkey 81 reveals a matchup between an uncut, wheated heavyweight and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Maker’s Mark Cask Strength | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof | 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 | 110 proof (55% ABV) +29 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$20 – $25 ~$23 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 Cask Strength
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Wild Turkey 81
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Flavor Profile
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 7/2 heat: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
sweetness 9/6 sweetness: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 9 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
spice 3/4 spice: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Maker’s Mark Cask Strength: Undiluted Maker's, and the version that finally gives the wheated recipe some weight. Dense caramel and honey with real warmth, and one of the more affordable cask-strength bottles anywhere.
- 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 Cask Strength if you want wheated sweetness at full strength for well under what most cask-strength bourbons cost.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Maker’s Mark Cask Strength); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).