Compare
Wild Turkey 81 vs Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Wheated Bottled-in-Bond
Put Wild Turkey 81 next to Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Wheated Bottled-in-Bond and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a contemporary, high-wheat craft build.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Wheated Bottled-in-Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 6 years |
| Proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +19 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$25 less | ~$45 – $50 |
- 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
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Wheated Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Wheated Bottled-in-Bond
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/6 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Wheated Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10
heat 2/4 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Wheated Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Wheated Bottled-in-Bond 7 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Wheated Bottled-in-Bond 3 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Wheated Bottled-in-Bond 3 out of 10
oak 4/4 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Wheated Bottled-in-Bond 4 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 Origin Series Wheated Bottled-in-Bond: A gentle, bakery-like wheater from Bardstown's own stills. Fresh bread and cream on the nose turn into baked peach and vanilla, with a soft, creamy texture and only a light pepper bite.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a lower price point.
- Go with Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Wheated Bottled-in-Bond if you want a soft, creamy, bakery-sweet wheater with bonded credentials with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Wheated Bottled-in-Bond).