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Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Comparing Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon and Old Forester 86 Proof reveals a matchup between a modern, wheated craft expression and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 70% corn, 5% rye, 25% wheat | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$20 – $26 ~$27 less |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon
Didn't care for this one.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/3 heat: Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 2 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
oak 4/4 oak: Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon: An organic, wheat-heavy bourbon from a Michigan craft distillery. It stays round and caramel sweet on the palate with a peppery edge, while the nose is quiet and still a little young.
- 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 Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon if you want an organic, Midwest craft wheater with a round, caramel-forward body.
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
Best enjoyed rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).