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Wild Turkey 81 vs Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series
On paper Wild Turkey 81 and Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$20 – $25 vs. ~$55 – $70) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) | 98.9 proof (49.5% ABV) +18 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$40 less | ~$55 – $70 |
- Wild Turkey 81 and Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series do not publish an official mash bill.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
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/6 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series 6 out of 10
heat 2/5 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series 5 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series 7 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series 5 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- 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.
- Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series: A blend of Bardstown's own young distillate with older sourced Kentucky whiskey, which is exactly what the name describes. Polished and fruit-leaning, and a clear demonstration that the blending is the skill on show.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series if you want a well-built modern blend that shows what careful blending does rather than what age alone does with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat, rocks (Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series).