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Wild Turkey 81 vs Jack Daniel’s Bonded
Comparing Wild Turkey 81 and Jack Daniel’s Bonded is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (81 vs. 100).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Jack Daniel’s Bonded |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Tennessee Whiskey |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 80% corn, 8% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 4 years |
| Proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +19 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$12 less | ~$30 – $38 |
- 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.
Jack Daniel’s Bonded
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Jack Daniel’s Bonded
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/5 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Jack Daniel’s Bonded 5 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Jack Daniel’s Bonded 6 out of 10
nuttiness 2/4 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Jack Daniel’s Bonded 4 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Jack Daniel’s Bonded 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Jack Daniel’s Bonded 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Jack Daniel’s Bonded 4 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.
- Jack Daniel’s Bonded: Bonded Jack at 100 proof, and far more serious than the black label most people picture. The charcoal mellowing still rounds everything off, but there is real bourbon structure underneath.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Jack Daniel’s Bonded if you want the Tennessee charcoal-mellowed character with bonded proof and genuine structure.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Jack Daniel’s Bonded).