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Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Put Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) next to Old Forester 86 Proof and you have a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 110 proof (55% ABV) +24 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$80 – $100 | ~$20 – $26 ~$67 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 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
Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 8/3 heat: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 8 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
oak 8/4 oak: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 8 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
spice 7/5 spice: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series): Barrell blends sourced barrels from multiple states and bottles at cask strength, and the batches differ enormously. At their best they show a tropical fruit note that almost nothing else in bourbon delivers.
- 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 Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) if you want an adventurous, cask-strength blend and you accept that each batch is its own animal with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).