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Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Comparing Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat and Old Forester 86 Proof reveals a matchup between a modern, wheated craft expression and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 53% corn, 39% wheat, 8% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 6 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 106 proof (53% ABV) +20 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$50 – $55 | ~$20 – $26 ~$30 less |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 8/5 fruit: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 8 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
spice 3/5 spice: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 2 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat: Because wheat makes up a massive 39% of the mash bill, this pour trades the aggressive spice of rye for a softer, oily mouthfeel. Expect bright fruit notes like ripe apricot and lemon on the nose, transitioning to pastry dough, light oak, and a creamy creme brulee sweetness balanced by a mild peppery backbone.
- 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 Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat if you want a softer, fruit-forward, contemporary profile with a richer, oily texture and lower emphasis on traditional oak with 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 (Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).