Compare
Wild Turkey 81 vs Redemption Bourbon
Comparing Wild Turkey 81 and Redemption Bourbon reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a sourced, spice-driven blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Redemption Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) | 84 proof (42% ABV) +3 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$6 less | ~$25 – $32 |
- 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.
Redemption Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Redemption Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/7 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 7 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10
oak 4/4 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- 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.
- Redemption Bourbon: Straightforward sourced MGP at a modest proof, and about as clear a reference sample of the high-rye MGP profile as you can buy. Thin neat, but a reliable and inexpensive cocktail base.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Redemption Bourbon if you want an inexpensive, unambiguous example of the MGP high-rye style for mixing.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); old-fashioned, cocktails, highball (Redemption Bourbon).