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Michter's US*1 Small Batch vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Michter's US*1 Small Batch and Old Forester 86 Proof sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: a sourced, classically built blend versus an old-guard, rye-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Michter's US*1 Small Batch | Old Forester 86 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 | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) +5 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$20 – $26 ~$27 less |
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch 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
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Michter's US*1 Small Batch Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
- 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 Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges 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.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).