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Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style and Wild Turkey 81 reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +34 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $70 | ~$20 – $25 ~$40 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
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 7/2 heat: Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
spice 7/4 spice: Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
oak 7/4 oak: Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 8 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style: Dense and syrupy for its age, with molasses and dark chocolate carrying a serious 115-proof punch. The high rye reads as baking spice rather than sharpness, and the body is unusually thick.
- 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 Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style if you want a rich, high-proof, dessert-leaning bourbon with real weight in the glass.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).