Compare
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof vs Wild Turkey 81
Put Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof next to Wild Turkey 81 and you have a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight set against a classic, corn-forward stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 13 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +43 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$200 – $300 | ~$20 – $25 ~$228 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof and Wild Turkey 81 do not publish an official mash bill.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
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 8/2 heat: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
oak 8/4 oak: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
fruit 6/3 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof: Thirteen-year Wild Turkey at full barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Cola, molasses and fruit cobbler sit on deep, charred oak, and each release carries its own proof.
- 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 Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).