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Old Grand-Dad 114 vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing Old Grand-Dad 114 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 Grand-Dad 114 | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 114 proof (57% ABV) +33 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 | ~$20 – $25 ~$9 less |
- Old Grand-Dad 114 and Wild Turkey 81 do not publish an official mash bill.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 Grand-Dad 114
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Grand-Dad 114 Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 8/2 heat: Old Grand-Dad 114 8 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
spice 9/4 spice: Old Grand-Dad 114 9 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
nuttiness 5/2 nuttiness: Old Grand-Dad 114 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Old Grand-Dad 114 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Old Grand-Dad 114 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Old Grand-Dad 114 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Old Grand-Dad 114: The best proof-per-dollar in American whiskey and it is not especially close. The 27% rye mash at 114 proof is loud, peppery and completely unsubtle, which is exactly why it makes such a good old-fashioned.
- 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 Grand-Dad 114 if you want maximum rye spice and proof for under thirty dollars.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Grand-Dad 114); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).