Compare
Redemption Bourbon vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing Redemption Bourbon and Wild Turkey 81 reveals a matchup between a blender-built, spice-driven bottling and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Redemption Bourbon | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 84 proof (42% ABV) +3 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$25 – $32 | ~$20 – $25 ~$6 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
Redemption Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Redemption Bourbon Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/4 spice: Redemption Bourbon 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
heat 3/2 heat: Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
oak 4/4 oak: Redemption Bourbon 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- Redemption Bourbon: Straightforward sourced MGP at a modest proof, and about as clear a reference sample of the high-rye MGP profile as you can buy. Thin neat, but a reliable and inexpensive cocktail 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 Redemption Bourbon if you want an inexpensive, unambiguous example of the MGP high-rye style for mixing.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, highball (Redemption Bourbon); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).