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Four Roses Small Batch vs Old Forester 100 Proof
On paper Four Roses Small Batch and Old Forester 100 Proof are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (90 vs. 100) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Four Roses Small Batch | Old Forester 100 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 | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$32 – $38 | ~$26 – $32 ~$6 less |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Four Roses Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Four Roses Small Batch Old Forester 100 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 7/5 fruit: Four Roses Small Batch 7 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Four Roses Small Batch 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Four Roses Small Batch 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Four Roses Small Batch 4 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
spice 6/6 spice: Four Roses Small Batch 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Four Roses Small Batch 3 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- Four Roses Small Batch: Four Roses' yeast strains push this toward fruit and florals rather than wood. Red berry and cinnamon over a light body, with the rye showing up as brightness instead of bite.
- Old Forester 100 Proof: The bottle most people should buy from this range: the same recipe as the 86 with enough proof to actually taste it. One of the strongest arguments on the shelf for spending six dollars more.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Four Roses Small Batch if you want a fruit-and-floral profile that stands apart from the usual caramel-and-oak template.
- Go with Old Forester 100 Proof if you want the best value in the Old Forester range and a superb old-fashioned base.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Four Roses Small Batch); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof).