Whisky I've Drank: Wild Turkey 81 Proof

By Josh Peters
A few years back Wild Turkey 81 replaced the not-so-popular Wild Turkey 80. Wild Turkey 80 was a 4 year bourbon that was watered down from barrel proof to meet the minimum legal proof (80) to be considered a bourbon and was rather lack luster. The 81 is only 1 proof (.5%) higher in alcohol content which still doesn’t bring the kick I like in my bourbon, but it is a blend of 6-8 year old whiskey that does bring with it some extra maturity and a bit more flavor. Compared to the 80 it’s a vast improvement. Compared to the amazing Wild Turkey 101… well there just isn’t any comparison.
Overall this is a decent bourbon. It’s not a stellar world class bourbon like the 101 and the Rare Breed, but it mixes easily in cocktails where you don’t want a strong bourbon taste. The bourbon pro probably won’t find anything interesting in it when drank neat, but the bourbon novice definitely will. The basic bourbon flavors and aromas are all present and if you think of it more as bourbon training wheels than a serious contender to the Wild Turkey throne it’s easy to see that it’s good for what it is. A simple and approachable 81 proof bourbon that still manages to deliver some quality bourbon flavor.
If you’ve had the Wild Turkey 81 add your own thoughts or notes in the comments below. I’d love to read them.
Wild Turkey 81 Review
ABV: 40.5%
Price: $16 (750ml)
Distiller: Austin Nichols / Wild Turkey
EYE
Light honey
NOSE
Bourbon spice strolls out of the glass. It’s not a powerful aroma like it’s big brother, but it isn’t completely lack luster either. The usual characters of caramel, vanilla and oak show up with some orange zest and corn sidekicks.
TASTE
Bourbon spice is again the first to arrive but this time it brings a bit of cinnamon with it. Caramel, corn on the cob, ‘Nilla Wafers and some bitter orange meander onto the palate along with a hint of raw alcohol. Which is a bit strange considering it’s been cut down.
FEEL
This is where I start to struggle with it. It’s a bit watery and has almost no body to it at all. Smooth whiskey should still have a bit of bite to it, but here it’s missing completely.
FINISH
Surprisingly long finish of corn, caramel, wood and alcohol that fade out to a caramel coffee syrup (think Torani) and alcohol. That hint of alcohol which was initially on the palate gets stronger as the other flavors fade. Not my favorite finish in bourbondom, but definitely not the worst.
SCORE: 81/100