Your Whiskey Community

Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Wild Turkey 81: Eddie Russell's Cocktail Bourbon — Softer Sibling to the 101 at 40.5%

Item: Wild Turkey 81: Eddie Russell's Cocktail Bourbon — Softer Sibling to the 101 at 40.5%
Rating: 7
Author: Joe Whitfield

Joe Whitfield April 10, 2026 1 views

7 /10

EDITOR

Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
Type: Bourbon
Age: NAS
ABV: 40.5% ABV
Price: £26

Tasting Notes

Nose

Caramel, vanilla, rye spice, oak, toffee — gentler than the 101

Palate

Rich caramel, manuka honey, fudge, rhubarb-and-custard sweets, oily espresso bean, lemon, honeysuckle, heather

Finish

Gentle, sweet, no burn — easy compared to fiery 101 — built for cocktails

First Impressions

Wild Turkey 81 — softer 101. 6-8 year stocks. Eddie Russell's cocktail bourbon. 40.5%.

Tasting

Caramel and vanilla nose. Honey and fudge palate. Gentle sweet finish. Built for cocktails.

The Verdict

WT 81 earns a 6.5 — decent everyday mixing bourbon at £26. Sweet, approachable, best in cocktails over neat.

Where to Buy

Master of Malt
£25.40

Buy Now

The Whisky Exchange
£28.25

Buy Now

As an affiliate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.

Joe Whitfield

Editor-in-Chief

Joe has spent over fifteen years immersed in the whiskey industry, beginning his career at a Speyside distillery before moving into drinks journalism. As Editor-in-Chief at Whiskeyful.com, he oversees...

Community Reviews

No community reviews yet. Be the first!