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Wild Turkey 81 vs Larceny Barrel Proof
Comparing Wild Turkey 81 and Larceny Barrel Proof reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and an uncut, wheated heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Larceny Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) | 124 proof (62% ABV) +43 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$40 less | ~$55 – $70 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- 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.
Larceny Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Larceny Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/9 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Larceny Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
sweetness 6/9 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Larceny Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
fruit 3/6 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Larceny Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Larceny Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Larceny Barrel Proof 3 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Larceny Barrel Proof 3 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.
- Larceny Barrel Proof: The wheated recipe at full barrel strength, and a genuinely dense pour. Thick caramel and baked fruit carry the heat well, and it takes water more gracefully than most bottles at this proof.
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 and without hunting for it.
- Go with Larceny Barrel Proof if you want wheated sweetness with barrel-proof concentration, without the Weller price or hunt with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat (Larceny Barrel Proof).