Old Forester 86 vs Wild Turkey 81

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:05 pm

Discover the differences between Old Forester 86 vs Wild Turkey 81 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

Old Forester 86 vs Wild Turkey 81: Comparison

Old Forester 86: Delivers a comforting aroma of brown sugar and caramel, complemented by a palate of vanilla, banana, and oak spice, and a simple yet satisfying caramel and oak finish. A versatile choice for sipping on the rocks or mixing in cocktails.

Wild Turkey 81: Offers a gentle nose of corn and vanilla, with a palate that combines oak, vanilla, and a hint of rye spice, concluding with a medium-length finish of vanilla and oak. Ideal for those seeking a sweet, easy mixer in their cocktails.

Verdict: Old Forester 86 stands out for its smooth, approachable flavor and historical pedigree, making it a solid choice for bourbon lovers looking for quality and affordability. Wild Turkey 81 provides a budget-friendly option that’s sweet and easy, perfect for cocktail enthusiasts who prefer a lighter bourbon, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best-tasting Bourbons under $20

Old Forester 86: Smooth, Affordable, and Exceeding Expectations

• Nose: Brown sugar, caramel, ethanol
• Palate: Vanilla, banana, oak, spice
• Finish: Caramel, oak
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
• Similar to: Evan Williams

Good news for bourbon lovers on a budget! Old Forester 86 might just be your new go-to. Let’s delve into its taste profile, history, and why it stands out:

Aroma:

• Initial ethanol punch? Yes, but quickly fades into warm brown sugar and caramel.

Palate:

• Medium texture? Offers a good mouthfeel for sipping.
• Smooth and slightly musty? Unique but pleasant.
• Hints of vanilla, banana, and cinnamon? Spice things up, adding complexity.
• Oak spice for a touch of bitterness? Keeps things balanced.

Finish:

• Short and sweet? Yes, with lingering caramel and oak.

Is it good?

Absolutely! Old Forester 86 delivers:

• Great for sipping: Enjoyable neat or on the rocks.
• Cocktail-friendly: Higher proof (86) makes it stand up in mixed drinks.
• Approachable and reliable: Consistent quality you can trust.
• Good value for the price: Surpasses expectations in its category.

Bonus points:

• Rich history: One of the longest-running bourbons on the market.
• Interesting bottle design: Sealed glass bottle, a historical mark.

Old Forester 86 facts:

• Aged around 4 years.
• 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley mash bill.
• Launched in 1870, predating all other current bourbons.
• Made by Brown-Forman in Shively, Kentucky.

Whether you’re a bourbon pro or just starting your exploration, Old Forester 86 deserves a spot on your shelf. Its smooth taste, affordability, and historical significance make it a compelling choice!

Wild Turkey 81: Sweet and Easy, But Maybe Not Complex Enough

• Nose: Corn, vanilla, charred oak
• Palate: Oak, corn, vanilla, rye spice, caramel
• Finish: Medium-length, vanilla, spice, oak
• Alcohol content: 81 proof (40.5% ABV)
• How to drink: Cocktails
• Similar to: Old Forester 86

Wild Turkey 81 presents itself as a budget-friendly bourbon option, but does it hold its own on taste? Let’s break down its flavor profile, key facts, and some points to consider:

Aroma:

• Subtle sweetness? Yes, with whispers of corn, vanilla, and oak char.

Palate:

• Sweet and corn-forward? Definitely, joined by vanilla, caramel, and oak char.
• Touch of rye spice? Adds a hint of complexity.
• Thin and diluted feeling for some? This can be subjective, depending on preference.

Finish:

• Medium length? Yes, with lingering oak char and sweetness.
• Bite from alcohol and oak? Present, but moderate.

Is it good?

Depends on what you’re looking for!

Pros:

• Entry-level bourbon: Affordable and approachable for those new to the spirit.
• Sweet and smooth: Leans towards sweetness, making it easy to sip.
• Good for mixing: Works well in cocktails due to its affordability and moderate flavor profile.

Cons:

• Thin and diluted: Some might find it lacks body and complexity.
• Not ideal for sipping: The sweetness and oak bitterness might overpower for some.

Wild Turkey 81 facts:

• 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% barley mash bill.
• Aged for 6-8 years in heavily charred barrels.
• Made with non-GMO American grains.
• Part of the Campari Group portfolio.

Overall:

Wild Turkey 81 can be a decent choice for beginners or those seeking a budget-friendly mixer. However, if you’re looking for a more complex and nuanced sipping experience, there might be better options available.

Remember, taste is subjective! Explore different bourbons and find what suits your palate best.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Bourbon	Price
Old Forester 86	$20
Wild Turkey 81	$17