Compare
Wild Turkey 101 vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing Wild Turkey 101 and Wild Turkey 81 reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 101 | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +20 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$25 – $30 | ~$20 – $25 ~$5 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
Wild Turkey 101
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 101 Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 8/4 spice: Wild Turkey 101 8 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
heat 6/2 heat: Wild Turkey 101 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
oak 7/4 oak: Wild Turkey 101 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Wild Turkey 101 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 101 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Wild Turkey 101 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- Wild Turkey 101: The workhorse high-rye Kentucky bourbon and one of the best proof-to-price ratios anywhere. Vanilla and orange up front, then a genuinely spicy, peppery, tobacco-tinged middle that punches well above $25.
- 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 Wild Turkey 101 if you want bold rye spice and real proof at the lowest price of anything comparable.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Wild Turkey 101); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).