Compare
Wild Turkey 81 vs Willett Pot Still Reserve
Wild Turkey 81 and Willett Pot Still Reserve are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$20 – $25 vs. ~$45 – $60).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Willett Pot Still Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 94 proof (47% ABV) +13 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$30 less | ~$45 – $60 |
- Wild Turkey 81 and Willett Pot Still Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Willett Pot Still Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Willett Pot Still Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/6 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 2/4 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
nuttiness 2/4 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 7 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- 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.
- Willett Pot Still Reserve: Famous first for the pot-still-shaped decanter and second for the whiskey, which is a fair ordering. Pleasant, sweet and fruit-leaning, with a good deal of the price attached to the glass.
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 Willett Pot Still Reserve if you want a distinctive bottle on the shelf and an easy, fruit-forward pour inside it with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat, rocks (Willett Pot Still Reserve).