Wild Turkey and Wild Turkey 101 are both popular bourbon whiskeys produced by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co. in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. However, there are some key differences between these two products that bourbon drinkers should understand.
Alcohol Content
The most noticeable difference between Wild Turkey and Wild Turkey 101 is the alcohol content. While standard Wild Turkey bourbon is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), Wild Turkey 101 is bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV). This makes Wild Turkey 101 significantly higher in alcohol content.
The “101” in the name Wild Turkey 101 refers to its proof level. Traditionally, bourbon must be bottled at no less than 80 proof to be labelled as “straight bourbon whiskey.” Wild Turkey 101 exceeds this at 101 proof, giving it more alcoholic strength and bite.
Flavor Profile
With a higher alcohol content, Wild Turkey 101 also has a more assertive flavor profile. Drinkers report flavors of charred oak, brown sugar, rye spice, and pepper. The higher alcohol content makes these flavors bolder and more intense.
By comparison, regular Wild Turkey at 80 proof has a milder taste with more subtle oak, caramel, and vanilla notes. It still carries spicy rye flavors, but they are less pronounced than in Wild Turkey 101.
Uses in Cocktails
The bolder, more assertive flavor profile of Wild Turkey 101 makes it ideal for cocktails. The higher proof whiskey stands up well when mixed with other ingredients and adds a punch of flavor. Wild Turkey 101 is commonly used in classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan.
Regular 80 proof Wild Turkey can be used for sipping neat or on the rocks. Its lighter flavor also works well in certain whiskey cocktails, but won’t dominate other ingredients quite as much as 101 proof.
Price Difference
There is usually a small price difference between standard Wild Turkey and Wild Turkey 101, with the higher proof 101 version costing a few dollars more. The price difference depends on the retailer, but expect to pay about $5-10 more for a 750mL bottle of Wild Turkey 101.
| Brand | Proof | Popular Flavors | Best Uses | Average Price (750mL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | 80 proof | Caramel, oak, vanilla | Sipping neat or on the rocks | $25 |
| Wild Turkey 101 | 101 proof | Oak, spice, pepper | Cocktails | $30 |
History of Wild Turkey
The origins of Wild Turkey date back to 1940 when Thomas McCarthy took over the company that would become Wild Turkey. This company had been around since the 1860s, selling whiskey under various names.
In 1940, the company was known as the Old Moore Distillery. Thomas McCarthy purchased and revamped the distillery, renaming it the Wild Turkey Distillery in 1941. His goal was to produce a high-quality bourbon to compete with the finest whiskeys.
The “Wild Turkey” name may have come from a story involving McCarthy on a wild turkey hunt. Or it may have referenced “wild turkey” as slang at the time for bootleg whiskey. In any case, the Wild Turkey brand was officially established in 1942.
The first Wild Turkey product sold was 101 proof bourbon in honor of the nickname “Wild Turkey 101” given to McCarthy. This iconic high-proof whiskey remains Wild Turkey’s flagship product today.
In 1971, Wild Turkey introduced the 80 proof version which is now their standard bourbon release. The lower proof made Wild Turkey more approachable as a casual sipping whiskey.
Over the decades, Wild Turkey has gone through several owners. Today it is part of the Campari Group, an Italian beverage company. But throughout changes in ownership, Wild Turkey has maintained its reputation for premium bourbon.
Other Wild Turkey Products
Beyond its 80 proof and 101 proof bourbons, Wild Turkey also produces several other product lines:
- Wild Turkey Longbranch – A 86 proof bourbon blended with Texas mesquite
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year – A 90 proof small batch bourbon
- Rare Breed – A barrel proof bourbon blend
- Master’s Keep – Special limited edition whiskeys
- Wild Turkey Rye – A straight rye whiskey
While Wild Turkey 101 remains the brand’s most iconic offering, these other expressions provide bourbon drinkers more premium options from Wild Turkey’s distilling team.
Conclusion
In summary, Wild Turkey 101 differs from regular Wild Turkey bourbon primarily in its higher proof level of 101 compared to 80 proof. This results in a bolder, more flavorful whiskey with intense oak, spice, and pepper notes. While Wild Turkey can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, Wild Turkey 101 is better suited for cocktails where it can stand up to other mixers.
Despite some small taste and alcohol content differences, both of these Wild Turkey products are quality Kentucky straight bourbons. Wild Turkey 101 offers more punch, while regular Wild Turkey provides a smooth and easy-drinking experience. Choosing between them comes down to a drinker’s personal proof and flavor preferences.
But whether you prefer to sip 80 proof or shoot 101 proof, you can count on Wild Turkey to deliver a genuine taste of Kentucky bourbon tradition and history.
The beginnings of Wild Turkey date back over 80 years, though the distillery itself was founded in the 1860s. Through multiple owners and generations, Wild Turkey’s commitment to fine bourbon has stayed constant. Both the standard 80 proof and higher-strength Wild Turkey 101 expressions exemplify this dedication to bourbon excellence.
Drinkers looking for that genuine, high-rye bourbon flavor have long turned to Wild Turkey. The brand has staked its reputation on delivering quality, stand-out whiskey. Understanding the nuances between Wild Turkey’s 80 proof and 101 proof offerings allows drinkers to pick their ideal match.
So the next time you browse the bourbon aisle, consider the differences between Wild Turkey and Wild Turkey 101. Both excellent choices for straight bourbon, 101 proof packs more punch for cocktails while 80 proof suits laidback sipping. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with a glass of the good stuff from Lawrenceburg!
