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Old Forester 100 Proof vs Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
Comparing Old Forester 100 Proof and Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 100 Proof | Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 110 proof (55% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $32 ~$61 less | ~$80 – $100 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 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.
Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 100 Proof Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/8 heat: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 8 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 8 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 7 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/7 sweetness: Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 7 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series): Barrell blends sourced barrels from multiple states and bottles at cask strength, and the batches differ enormously. At their best they show a tropical fruit note that almost nothing else in bourbon delivers.
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 without hunting for it.
- Go with Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) if you want an adventurous, cask-strength blend and you accept that each batch is its own animal with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof); neat (Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)).