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Barrell Foundation Bourbon vs Old Forester 100 Proof
On paper Barrell Foundation Bourbon and Old Forester 100 Proof are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$50 – $60 vs. ~$26 – $32) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Barrell Foundation Bourbon | Old Forester 100 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $60 | ~$26 – $32 ~$26 less |
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Barrell Foundation Bourbon Old Forester 100 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10
spice 6/6 spice: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon: Barrell's everyday bottle: a multi-state blend proofed down to 100 instead of bottled at cask strength. Creamy cake and vanilla up front, then a dry, rye-driven peppery finish.
- Old Forester 100 Proof: The bottle most people should buy from this range: the same recipe as the 86 with enough proof to actually taste it. One of the strongest arguments on the shelf for spending six dollars more.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Barrell Foundation Bourbon if you want an approachable, 100-proof Barrell blend that still shows off multi-state blending with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with Old Forester 100 Proof if you want the best value in the Old Forester range and a superb old-fashioned base.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof).