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Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve vs Old Forester 100 Proof
Comparing Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve and Old Forester 100 Proof reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve | Old Forester 100 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 9 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 120 proof (60% ABV) +20 proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$26 – $32 ~$21 less |
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Old Forester 100 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 7/3 nuttiness: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10
heat 8/5 heat: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 3 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve: The same nine-year Knob Creek juice bottled from a single barrel at 120 proof, and the extra strength suits it. Everything the standard bottling does, turned up — with the barrel-to-barrel variation that comes with the format.
- 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 Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve if you want the Beam profile at serious proof for well under what most barrel-strength bourbons cost.
- 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, old-fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof).