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Wild Turkey 81 vs David Nicholson Reserve
Comparing Wild Turkey 81 and David Nicholson Reserve is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (81 vs. 100).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +19 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$13 less | ~$30 – $40 |
- Wild Turkey 81 and David Nicholson Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/5 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
fruit 3/3 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- David Nicholson Reserve: The rye-recipe sibling to the 1843, with extra age. Toasty oak and rye spice give it more backbone, and the spice stays put through a long, warm finish.
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 David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).