Compare
Wild Turkey 81 vs Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Put Wild Turkey 81 next to Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 13 years |
| Proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +43 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$228 less | ~$200 – $300 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Wild Turkey 81 and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/8 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
oak 4/8 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
fruit 3/6 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof: Thirteen-year Wild Turkey at full barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Cola, molasses and fruit cobbler sit on deep, charred oak, and each release carries its own 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 Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof).