Compare
Wild Turkey 81 vs Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Wild Turkey 81 and Michter's US*1 Small Batch are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$20 – $25 vs. ~$45 – $55).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Michter's US*1 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$28 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Wild Turkey 81 and Michter's US*1 Small Batch do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/5 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
nuttiness 2/4 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10
oak 4/5 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- 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.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
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 Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges with more proof behind it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch).