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Stellum Bourbon vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing Stellum Bourbon and Wild Turkey 81 reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Stellum Bourbon | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 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 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$20 – $25 ~$28 less |
- Stellum Bourbon and Wild Turkey 81 do not publish an official mash bill.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
Stellum Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Stellum Bourbon Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 7/2 heat: Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
spice 7/4 spice: Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Stellum Bourbon 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Stellum Bourbon 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Stellum Bourbon: Barrell's lower-priced, cask-strength line. It drinks gentler than its proof, with vanilla and caramel on top of cinnamon, clove and a long, spicy finish.
- 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 Stellum Bourbon if you want a cask-strength, multi-state blend that drinks easier than its proof 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 lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Stellum Bourbon); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).