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Old Forester 100 Proof vs Stellum Bourbon
Comparing Old Forester 100 Proof and Stellum Bourbon reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 100 Proof | Stellum Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +15 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $32 ~$21 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Stellum Bourbon 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.
Stellum Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 100 Proof Stellum Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/7 heat: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 4 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Stellum Bourbon: Barrell's lower-priced, cask-strength line. It drinks gentler than its proof, with vanilla and caramel on top of cinnamon, clove and a long, spicy finish.
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 Stellum Bourbon if you want a cask-strength, multi-state blend that drinks easier than its proof with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof); neat, old-fashioned (Stellum Bourbon).