Compare
Wild Turkey 81 vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Comparing Wild Turkey 81 and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by price (~$20 – $25 vs. ~$55 – $65).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) +9 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$38 less | ~$55 – $65 |
- Wild Turkey 81 and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old do not publish an official mash bill.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 Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 4/7 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
fruit 3/6 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
heat 2/4 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 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 Reserve Very Old: The older, drier sibling of Jefferson's Very Small Batch. Buttery toffee and dried fruit sit on a firm, slightly smoky oak backbone, and the finish turns peppery and long.
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 Reserve Very Old if you want a mature, oak-driven blend with dried fruit and a dry, peppery finish at an easy proof.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).