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Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Wild Turkey 81 reveals a matchup between a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 12 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) +9 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$170 – $900 | ~$20 – $25 ~$513 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Wild Turkey 81 do not publish an official mash bill.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
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
spice 3/4 spice: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
heat 3/2 heat: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced 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 Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line with slightly 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 and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).