Wild Turkey 81 Rye
Price History
Overview
Wild Turkey 81 Rye is the distillery's standard 81-proof rye whiskey, crafted as an affordable, robust option within their rye lineup. It prioritizes bold flavors suited for cocktails over standalone sipping complexity.
Specs at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Style | Rye whiskey |
| ABV | 40.5% |
| Mashbill | Not specified |
| Release Info | Standard expression from Wild Turkey distillery, positioned as a value-driven mixer alternative to higher-proof ryes like 101 Rye |
| Age | Unspecified |
Good to know
This rye serves as an everyday workhorse in the Wild Turkey portfolio, often overlooked in favor of bolder siblings but praised for its low cost per pour—around $1.53 for a 50 mL drink. Expert reviews highlight its practicality for frequent use in mixed drinks rather than as a premium neat pour.
Tasting notes
- Nose: Mint leads with dried grass, clove, cinnamon, and subtle candy sweetness.
- Palate: Bold mint and cinnamon dominate, joined by cedar and light sweetness for a spicy, approachable rye character.
- Finish: Short and gentle, lingering with mint and cinnamon candies.
Notable details
- Production: Distilled at Wild Turkey, bottled at 81 proof for balanced mixing strength.
- Lineage: Core offering in Wild Turkey's rye family, alongside Rare Breed Rye and 101 Rye.
- Comparison: More economical than Wild Turkey's higher-proof ryes, trading intensity for accessibility.
- Availability: Widely stocked at retailers like Total Wine, with an MSRP around $23 for 750 mL.
Serving suggestions
Best as a cocktail base due to its robust spice profile; excels in Manhattan or Old Fashioned variations.
"Wild Turkey Rye (81 proof) excels as a cocktail ingredient due to its robust flavors and affordability, but it's unremarkable when sipped neat." – BourbonGuy.com
Closing
A no-nonsense rye for the home bartender seeking reliable spice without breaking the bank.
Sources
[1] Bourbonguy – "Wild Turkey Rye (81 proof)"
[2] Drinkhacker – "Review: Wild Turkey Rye 81 Proof"
[3] Bourbonblog – "Wild Turkey 81 Rye Review coming, new Wild Turkey Rye | BourbonBlog"
[4] Bourbonblog – "VIDEO: Wild Turkey 81 Rye Review | BourbonBlog"
[5] Thewhiskeywash – "Wild Turkey Rye 81 Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes & Analysis"
[6] Thewhiskeywash – "Wild Turkey Rye 81 Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes & Analysis"