Compare
Penelope Architect vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing Penelope Architect and Wild Turkey 81 reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Architect | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 104 proof (52% ABV) +23 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$60 – $70 | ~$20 – $25 ~$43 less |
- Wild Turkey 81 does 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
Penelope Architect
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Architect Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 6/2 heat: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
fruit 6/3 fruit: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Penelope Architect 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Penelope Architect 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Penelope Architect 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Penelope Architect: Penelope's four-grain blend finished with French oak staves chosen for their tannin. The French oak adds berry, cherry and warm spice to a vanilla-heavy base.
- 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 Penelope Architect if you want a four-grain bourbon with a French oak finish that adds berries and warm spice with more proof behind it.
- 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 (Penelope Architect); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).