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Four Roses Bourbon vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Four Roses Bourbon and Old Forester 86 Proof are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is proof (80 vs. 86).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Four Roses Bourbon | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 86 proof (43% ABV) +6 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$22 – $28 | ~$20 – $26 |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Four Roses Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Four Roses Bourbon Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 3/4 oak: Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Four Roses Bourbon 2 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Four Roses Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Four Roses Bourbon 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.
- Four Roses Bourbon: The yellow label entry point, blending all ten Four Roses recipes at a gentle 80 proof. Light and fruity to a fault, but the house floral character is already recognisable and it mixes beautifully.
- 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 Four Roses Bourbon if you want the Four Roses fruit-and-floral signature at its lightest and cheapest.
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Four Roses Bourbon); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).