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Wild Turkey 81 vs Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon
Comparing Wild Turkey 81 and Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a modern, wheated craft expression.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 70% corn, 5% rye, 25% wheat |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) +9 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.
Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon
Didn't care for this one.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/5 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 5 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10
oak 4/4 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10
nuttiness 2/2 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon: An organic, wheat-heavy bourbon from a Michigan craft distillery. It stays round and caramel sweet on the palate with a peppery edge, while the nose is quiet and still a little young.
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 Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon if you want an organic, Midwest craft wheater with a round, caramel-forward body with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon).