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Evan Williams Black Label vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Put Evan Williams Black Label next to Old Forester 86 Proof and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$14 – $18 ~$7 less | ~$20 – $26 |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/5 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 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.
- Evan Williams Black Label: The everyday black label, and a perfectly competent well bourbon. Softer and sweeter than the bonded version, with less to say but nothing objectionable.
- 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 Evan Williams Black Label if you want a dependable, inexpensive mixing bourbon and nothing more complicated than that at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).