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Wild Turkey 81 vs Stellum Bourbon
Comparing Wild Turkey 81 and Stellum Bourbon reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Stellum Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| 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) | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +34 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$28 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Wild Turkey 81 and Stellum Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Stellum Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Stellum Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/7 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
spice 4/7 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 4 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Stellum Bourbon: Barrell's lower-priced, cask-strength line. It drinks gentler than its proof, with vanilla and caramel on top of cinnamon, clove and a long, spicy finish.
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 Stellum Bourbon if you want a cask-strength, multi-state blend that drinks easier than its proof with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat, old-fashioned (Stellum Bourbon).