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Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon vs Old Forester 100 Proof
Comparing Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon and Old Forester 100 Proof reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon | Old Forester 100 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$85 – $100 | ~$26 – $32 ~$64 less |
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 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
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Old Forester 100 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 8/5 fruit: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 5/3 nuttiness: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon: Finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Cognac casks. The casks layer dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate over the bourbon and leave a long, clove-spiced finish.
- 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 Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate.
- 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 (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof).