Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 10:01 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Four Roses vs Wild Turkey in this head-to-head comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Four Roses vs Wild Turkey: Comparison
Both Four Roses Yellow Label and Wild Turkey 81 are accessible and enjoyable bourbons, perfect for those new to the bourbon world or looking for an everyday sipper:
- Four Roses Yellow Label: Known for its smooth and fruity profile, this bourbon is a gentle introduction to the category. Priced at $24, it’s an excellent choice for beginners seeking a light and approachable bourbon.
- Wild Turkey 81: Offers a sweet and easy drinking experience, with a focus on vanilla, oak, and caramel flavors. At $22, it provides great value, especially for those interested in mixing bourbon into cocktails.
- Key Difference: The distinction arises from Four Roses’ high-rye mash bill, offering a spicy profile, versus Wild Turkey’s aging in heavily charred barrels, adding a distinctive note.
Verdict: Both options represent solid choices within the entry-level bourbon space, each offering a unique taste profile that caters to different preferences. Whether you lean towards the smooth and fruity Four Roses Yellow Label or the sweet and versatile Wild Turkey 81, both are priced affordably and promise a pleasant bourbon experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Cheap Bourbons Under $20
Four Roses: Smooth & Fruity, Easy on Beginners
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Four Roses Small Batch
Honey and pear dance on the nose, sweet and inviting.
Palate starts sweet, then shifts to crisp apple with citrus, cinnamon, and a touch of oak.
Long finish: Fruity notes linger with subtle oak warmth.
Easy drinking: Smooth texture, minimal heat, and light oak make it approachable.
Neat or on the rocks: Lower proof means it’s less ideal for cocktails.
Competent and affordable: Not remarkable, but lacks flaws and offers good value.
Great for beginners: A solid starting point before exploring more complex bourbons.
Four Roses facts:
- Blend of 10 different whiskies, all from their distillery.
- Two mash bills: 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% barley, and 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% barley.
- Five unique yeast strains for fermentation.
- Aged in single-story warehouses for consistency.
Wild Turkey 81: Sweet & Easy, Entry-Level Bourbon
- Alcohol content: 81 proof (40.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Evan Williams
Nose: Delicate sweetness of corn, vanilla, and toasted oak.
Palate: Light and sweet, with corn, vanilla, and caramel leading the way. Hints of oak and rye spice add depth.
Finish: Medium-length, with a gentle warmth and lingering oaky sweetness.
Good for beginners? Absolutely! Wild Turkey 81 eases you into the world of bourbon with its sweetness and affordability.
Maybe not for sipping neat: Some find it a bit thin for solo enjoyment. Add ice for a smoother, cooler experience.
Cocktails are its forte: This bourbon shines in low-end mixed drinks, offering good value and familiar flavors.
Wild Turkey facts:
- 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% barley mash bill.
- Aged 6-8 years in heavily charred barrels.
- Made with non-GMO American grains.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Four Roses Yellow Label | $24 |
| Wild Turkey Straight Bourbon | $22 |
How do Four Roses and Wild Turkey differ?
The main distinction between these bourbons can be attributed to two factors: the mash bill and the barrel aging process.
Four Roses utilizes a mash bill with a higher proportion of rye grain, contributing to its spicier flavor profile.
This higher rye content adds a distinct level of complexity and a noticeable kick of spice to the overall taste experience.
On the other hand, Wild Turkey’s character is influenced by its aging process in heavily charred barrels.
This imparts a slightly bitter note to the whiskey, resulting from the interaction between the spirit and the charred oak. This characteristic can add depth and intensity to the overall flavor profile of the bourbon.
These differences in mash bill and barrel aging contribute to the unique qualities and taste profiles of each bourbon, providing discerning bourbon enthusiasts with distinct options to suit their personal preferences.