Compare
Old Forester 100 Proof vs Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Comparing Old Forester 100 Proof and Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 100 Proof | Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 9 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$26 – $32 ~$116 less | ~$110 – $180 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- 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.
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 100 Proof Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/2 spice: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 2 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 8 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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.
- 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.
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 Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond if you want an aged, bonded wheater in a presentation bottle and the price is not the obstacle.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof); neat (Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond).