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Barrell Foundation Bourbon vs Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Comparing Barrell Foundation Bourbon and Old Forester 1870 Original Batch is a closer contest than it looks — both are high-rye bourbons, separated mainly by proof (100 vs. 90).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Barrell Foundation Bourbon | Old Forester 1870 Original Batch |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +10 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $60 | ~$45 – $55 ~$5 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 1870 Original Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Barrell Foundation Bourbon Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/4 spice: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 4 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 7 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 5 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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 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 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 1870 Original Batch if you want the gentlest, most easygoing pour in the Whiskey Row Series at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon); neat, rocks, highball (Old Forester 1870 Original Batch).