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Barrell Foundation Bourbon vs Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
On paper Barrell Foundation Bourbon and Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (100 vs. 115) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Barrell Foundation Bourbon | Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +15 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $60 ~$8 less | ~$55 – $70 |
- 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 1920 Prohibition Style
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Barrell Foundation Bourbon Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 8 out of 10
heat 5/7 heat: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 7 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 7 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 7 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- 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 1920 Prohibition Style: Dense and syrupy for its age, with molasses and dark chocolate carrying a serious 115-proof punch. The high rye reads as baking spice rather than sharpness, and the body is unusually thick.
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 at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style if you want a rich, high-proof, dessert-leaning bourbon with real weight in the glass.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon); neat, old-fashioned (Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style).