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Wild Turkey 81 vs Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Put Wild Turkey 81 next to Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +49 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$115 less | ~$75 – $200 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Wild Turkey 81 and Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/9 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
oak 4/8 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
nuttiness 2/6 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 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.
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof: E.H. Taylor straight from the barrel. Very hot and nutty, with toasted pecan, dark sugar and heavy oak; the proof changes with each batch.
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 and without hunting for it.
- Go with Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof).