Wild Turkey 81 Proof Bourbon Whiskey 75cl
Brand: Wild Turkey | Category: Kentucky Straight Bourbon | ABV: 40.5% | Origin: Kentucky, USA | Vol: 750ml

Kentucky Grit, Refined

Wild Turkey 81 is the younger brother of the 101, but don’t mistake it for a lesser pour. Crafted by bourbon legends Jimmy and Eddie Russell, this expression balances the brand’s bold flavor with an easygoing ABV that still packs punch. It’s approachable, versatile, and unmistakably Wild Turkey, a true Kentucky straight shooter with serious pedigree.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
A wave of classic bourbon warmth, sweet vanilla, orange peel, and charred oak, with a hint of baking spice and brown sugar.

Palate:
Smooth but gutsy. Caramel and toffee lead the charge, followed by toasted nuts, cracked pepper, and just enough rye to keep it lively. It’s soft enough for sipping, but structured enough to stand tall in cocktails.

Finish:
Moderate and clean, a final flash of oak, spice, and sweetness that wraps up with a dry wink. Understated, but satisfying.

Production Details

Made with Wild Turkey’s high-rye mash bill and aged in heavily charred No. 4 barrels, 81 Proof is blended from 6- to 8-year-old bourbons, a rarity at this proof point. It’s bottled at 40.5% ABV, offering a smoother profile without compromising the brand’s signature richness. It’s the Russells’ answer to everyday bourbon done right.

Perfect For

Backyard BBQs. Crafting the perfect Old Fashioned. Gifting someone just stepping into bourbon. Or keeping on your shelf as a go-to pour that delivers character without complication.

Expert Notes

While many entry-level bourbons are overly soft or under-aged, Wild Turkey 81 maintains the brand’s flavor integrity with real aging and real body. It’s a bartender favorite for mixing, but still strong enough to sip on its own.

Customer Reviews

"Solid backbone, smooth finish. This one’s in regular rotation." — Miguel, QC

"Tried it in a Manhattan — ended up finishing the bottle by the weekend." — Lia, Davao

"Easy to drink, but still has that Wild Turkey swagger. Love it." — Dom, Pasig

Interesting Fact

Despite being a lower-proof expression, 81 Proof uses the same mash bill and barrel program as Wild Turkey 101. It’s simply crafted for accessibility, without dialing back the soul.

Serving Suggestions

Neat, with a single cube, or as the base of your signature whiskey cocktail. Its bold-but-balanced profile makes it a dream in a Whiskey Sour, Boulevardier, or classic Kentucky Mule.

Distillery Background

Distilled at the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, this brand is helmed by two bourbon legends: Jimmy and Eddie Russell, a father-son duo with over 100 years of experience combined. Known for bold flavors and uncompromising quality, Wild Turkey continues to be a cornerstone of authentic American whiskey, unapologetically traditional, and proud of it.