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Old Forester 100 Proof vs 1792 Small Batch
Old Forester 100 Proof and 1792 Small Batch are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is proof (100 vs. 93.7).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 100 Proof | 1792 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +6 proof | 93.7 proof (46.9% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $32 | ~$26 – $34 |
- 1792 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
Old Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
1792 Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 100 Proof 1792 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 4 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 5 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.
- 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.
- 1792 Small Batch: Barton's flagship and one of the most under-discussed bottles at its price. A high-rye character with cocoa and orange peel, and considerably more going on than the shelf position suggests.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Old Forester 100 Proof if you want the best value in the Old Forester range and a superb old-fashioned base.
- Go with 1792 Small Batch if you want an overlooked, spice-forward Kentucky bourbon that punches above its price.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (1792 Small Batch).