Compare
Old Forester 100 Proof vs Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Comparing Old Forester 100 Proof and Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 100 Proof | Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 9 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 120 proof (60% ABV) +20 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $32 ~$21 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 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.
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 100 Proof Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 3/7 nuttiness: Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
heat 5/8 heat: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 6 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- 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.
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve: The same nine-year Knob Creek juice bottled from a single barrel at 120 proof, and the extra strength suits it. Everything the standard bottling does, turned up — with the barrel-to-barrel variation that comes with the format.
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 Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve if you want the Beam profile at serious proof for well under what most barrel-strength bourbons cost.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof); neat, old-fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve).