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Bulleit Bourbon vs Old Forester 86 Proof
On paper Bulleit Bourbon and Old Forester 86 Proof are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (90 vs. 86) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Bulleit Bourbon | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 68% corn, 28% rye, 4% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$25 – $32 | ~$20 – $26 ~$6 less |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Bulleit Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Bulleit Bourbon Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/5 spice: Bulleit Bourbon 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Bulleit Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Bulleit Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Bulleit Bourbon 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Bulleit Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Bulleit Bourbon 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- Bulleit Bourbon: The bottle that put high-rye bourbon in every cocktail bar in the country. Peppery and dry with the familiar MGP dill note, and it earns its place behind the bar more than in a glass on its own.
- 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 Bulleit Bourbon if you want a dry, peppery, high-rye bourbon built for cocktails and available absolutely everywhere.
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, highball (Bulleit Bourbon); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).