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Wild Turkey 81 vs Four Roses Single Barrel
Comparing Wild Turkey 81 and Four Roses Single Barrel 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 Single Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +19 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$28 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- 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 Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Four Roses Single Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/8 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Four Roses Single Barrel 8 out of 10
fruit 3/7 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Four Roses Single Barrel 7 out of 10
heat 2/6 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Four Roses Single Barrel 6 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Four Roses Single Barrel 6 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Four Roses Single Barrel 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Four Roses Single Barrel 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- 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 Single Barrel: The OBSV recipe on its own at 100 proof — the highest-rye mash Four Roses uses, paired with their most floral yeast. Cherry and clove in equal measure, and a genuinely distinctive glass.
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 Four Roses Single Barrel if you want the most expressive, spice-and-fruit-forward single recipe in the Four Roses range with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat, old-fashioned (Four Roses Single Barrel).