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Wild Turkey 81 vs Four Roses Bourbon
Comparing Wild Turkey 81 and Four Roses Bourbon reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Four Roses Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 | ~$22 – $28 |
- 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.
Four Roses Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Four Roses Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/6 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 5 out of 10
oak 4/3 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10
heat 2/2 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 2 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.
- Four Roses Bourbon: The yellow label entry point, blending all ten Four Roses recipes at a gentle 80 proof. Light and fruity to a fault, but the house floral character is already recognisable and it mixes beautifully.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing.
- Go with Four Roses Bourbon if you want the Four Roses fruit-and-floral signature at its lightest and cheapest.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); cocktails, highball, rocks (Four Roses Bourbon).