Compare
Old Forester 100 Proof vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Comparing Old Forester 100 Proof and Old Forester 86 Proof is a closer contest than it looks — both are high-rye bourbons, separated mainly by proof (100 vs. 86).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 100 Proof | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$26 – $32 | ~$20 – $26 ~$6 less |
- 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 Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 100 Proof Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/4 oak: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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 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 Forester 100 Proof if you want the best value in the Old Forester range and a superb old-fashioned base.
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).