Compare
Wild Turkey 81 vs Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
On paper Wild Turkey 81 and Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$20 – $25 vs. ~$60 – $80) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| 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) | 94 proof (47% ABV) +13 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$48 less | ~$60 – $80 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- 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.
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 4/9 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 9 out of 10
nuttiness 2/5 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 8 out of 10
heat 2/4 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel: Finished in a second toasted (not charred) barrel, which produces an unmistakable toasted-marshmallow note. Sweet and heavily wooded, and one of the more distinctive finishes any major producer makes.
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 Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel if you want a distinctive toasted-oak, marshmallow-sweet finish you will not find in a standard bourbon with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat, rocks (Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel).