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Baker’s 7 Year vs Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
On paper Baker’s 7 Year and Old Forester 1870 Original Batch are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (107 vs. 90) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Baker’s 7 Year | Old Forester 1870 Original Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 107 proof (53.5% ABV) +17 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $70 | ~$45 – $55 ~$13 less |
- Baker’s 7 Year 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
Baker’s 7 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Baker’s 7 Year Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 7/2 nuttiness: Baker’s 7 Year 7 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 2 out of 10
heat 6/3 heat: Baker’s 7 Year 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 3 out of 10
oak 7/5 oak: Baker’s 7 Year 7 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Baker’s 7 Year 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 7 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Baker’s 7 Year 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 4 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Baker’s 7 Year 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- Baker’s 7 Year: The gentlest of the Beam small-batch collection despite its 107 proof, thanks to an unusually creamy texture. The peanut note is present but softened, sitting under vanilla and light fruit.
- Old Forester 1870 Original Batch: The first bottle in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series, recreating the founder's habit of blending barrels from three warehouses. It is the lightest of the series, caramel sweet and easy.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Baker’s 7 Year if you want the Beam character in its smoothest, creamiest form at a real proof point.
- Go with Old Forester 1870 Original Batch if you want the gentlest, most easygoing pour in the Whiskey Row Series at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Baker’s 7 Year); neat, rocks, highball (Old Forester 1870 Original Batch).