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Wild Turkey 81 vs Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
Comparing Wild Turkey 81 and Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +34 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$40 less | ~$55 – $70 |
- 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.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/7 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 7 out of 10
spice 4/7 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 7 out of 10
oak 4/7 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 8 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 5 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style: Dense and syrupy for its age, with molasses and dark chocolate carrying a serious 115-proof punch. The high rye reads as baking spice rather than sharpness, and the body is unusually thick.
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 Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style if you want a rich, high-proof, dessert-leaning bourbon with real weight in the glass.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat, old-fashioned (Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style).