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Wild Turkey 81 vs Woodford Reserve
Comparing Wild Turkey 81 and Woodford Reserve reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 81 | Woodford Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) +9 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $25 ~$16 less | ~$35 – $42 |
- 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.
Woodford Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 81 Woodford Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/6 fruit: Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 2/4 heat: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 4 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 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.
- Woodford Reserve: The most widely poured premium bourbon in America, and a genuinely well-made one. Dried fruit and cocoa over a balanced 18% rye mash, finished smooth enough to please almost anyone.
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 Woodford Reserve if you want a polished, widely available crowd-pleaser that never puts a foot wrong with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Woodford Reserve).