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Noah's Mill vs Old Forester 86 Proof

Comparing Noah's Mill and Old Forester 86 Proof reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.

Key Specifications

Feature Noah's Mill 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 114.3 proof (57.1% ABV) +28 proof 86 proof (43% ABV)
Approx. Price 2 ~$60 – $70 ~$20 – $26 ~$42 less
  1. Noah's Mill does not publish an official mash bill.
  2. US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.

AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes

Noah's Mill

Not rated yet

No notes yet.

Old Forester 86 Proof

Not rated yet

No notes yet.

Flavor Profile

Noah's Mill Old Forester 86 Proof
sweetnessspiceoakfruitheatnuttiness

Axis by axis, biggest gap first

heat 7/3 heat: Noah's Mill 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
nuttiness 7/3 nuttiness: Noah's Mill 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Noah's Mill 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
fruit 7/5 fruit: Noah's Mill 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Noah's Mill 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Noah's Mill 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10

Flavor Profile Differences

Proof and heat dominate the difference.

  • Noah's Mill: A high-proof Willett blend with a lot of nutty and fruity character. Peanut, golden raisin and jam make it taste like peanut butter and jelly, and it finishes very dry.
  • 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 Noah's Mill if you want a high-proof, nutty, jammy Willett bourbon with a bone-dry finish.
  • Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.

Best enjoyed neat (Noah's Mill); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).