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Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon and Wild Turkey 81 reveals a matchup between a modern, wheated craft expression and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 15% wheat, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 4 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 87 proof (43.5% ABV) +6 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $45 | ~$20 – $25 ~$20 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
Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon
Didn't care for this one.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 2/4 spice: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 2 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
heat 3/2 heat: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
oak 4/4 oak: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon: A farm-to-bottle wheater from northern Illinois. Soft red winter wheat keeps it gentle and bready, with caramel and vanilla up front and very little bite at 87 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 Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon if you want a soft, easygoing wheated bourbon made start to finish on one Midwest farm with slightly more proof behind it.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed rocks, highball, cocktails (Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).