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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Put Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof next to Old Forester 86 Proof and you have a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +44 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$20 – $26 ~$115 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 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
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/3 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
oak 8/4 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof: E.H. Taylor straight from the barrel. Very hot and nutty, with toasted pecan, dark sugar and heavy oak; the proof changes with each batch.
- 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 Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon 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 (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).