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1792 Small Batch vs Old Forester 86 Proof
1792 Small Batch and Old Forester 86 Proof are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is proof (93.7 vs. 86).
Key Specifications
| Feature | 1792 Small Batch | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 93.7 proof (46.9% ABV) +8 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $34 | ~$20 – $26 ~$7 less |
- 1792 Small Batch does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
1792 Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
1792 Small Batch Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/5 spice: 1792 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: 1792 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 1792 Small Batch: Barton's flagship and one of the most under-discussed bottles at its price. A high-rye character with cocoa and orange peel, and considerably more going on than the shelf position suggests.
- Old Forester 86 Proof: The entry bottling and the cheapest way to meet the Old Forester banana-and-caramel signature. Thin at 86 proof, but it costs very little and mixes well.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with 1792 Small Batch if you want an overlooked, spice-forward Kentucky bourbon that punches above its price with slightly more proof behind it.
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (1792 Small Batch); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).