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Wild Turkey 81 vs Maker’s Mark 46
Comparing Wild Turkey 81 and Maker’s Mark 46 reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Maker’s Mark 46 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) | 94 proof (47% ABV) +13 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$19 less | ~$38 – $45 |
- 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.
Maker’s Mark 46
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Maker’s Mark 46
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 4/7 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 8 out of 10
heat 2/4 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 3 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 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.
- Maker’s Mark 46: Finished with seared French oak staves inside the barrel, which adds the spice and wood that the standard bottling deliberately lacks. The most useful upgrade in the Maker's range.
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 Maker’s Mark 46 if you want the softness of Maker's Mark with real oak and spice layered over it with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Maker’s Mark 46).