Compare
Kentucky Owl Batch 12 vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Comparing Kentucky Owl Batch 12 and Old Forester 86 Proof reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Kentucky Owl Batch 12 | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 115.8 proof (57.9% ABV) +30 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$300 – $400 | ~$20 – $26 ~$327 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Kentucky Owl Batch 12 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
Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Kentucky Owl Batch 12 Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 8/4 oak: Kentucky Owl Batch 12 8 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
heat 7/3 heat: Kentucky Owl Batch 12 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
spice 7/5 spice: Kentucky Owl Batch 12 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Kentucky Owl Batch 12 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Kentucky Owl Batch 12 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Kentucky Owl Batch 12 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Kentucky Owl Batch 12: A high-end blend of young and older sourced Kentucky bourbons. Leather, smoky oak and caramel, with a peppery, spice-forward palate.
- 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 Kentucky Owl Batch 12 if you want a spicy, leathery, high-end blended bourbon with significantly more proof behind it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Kentucky Owl Batch 12); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).