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Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond and Old Forester 86 Proof sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, wheat-forward classic versus an old-guard, rye-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 9 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$110 – $180 | ~$20 – $26 ~$122 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 2/5 spice: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 2 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
oak 7/4 oak: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 8 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond: The decanter series, released twice a year at varying ages, and Heaven Hill's most serious wheated statement. Age shows as polished oak and stewed fruit rather than tannin, but you pay handsomely for the bottle.
- 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 Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond if you want an aged, bonded wheater in a presentation bottle and the price is not the obstacle with more proof behind it.
- 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 (Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).