Compare
Wild Turkey 81 vs Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Comparing Wild Turkey 81 and Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by price (~$20 – $25 vs. ~$70 – $85).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) +9 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$55 less | ~$70 – $85 |
- Wild Turkey 81 and Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 4/6 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 5 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 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.
- Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea: Bourbon that spends months rocking in a ship's hold. Each voyage tastes a little different, but expect caramel and dark sugar with a savory, faintly salty edge from the trip.
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.
- Go with Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea if you want a conversation-piece bourbon with a savory, slightly briny twist from aging at sea with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea).