Compare
Old Forester 100 Proof vs Uncle Nearest 1856
Comparing Old Forester 100 Proof and Uncle Nearest 1856 reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 100 Proof | Uncle Nearest 1856 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Tennessee Whiskey |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $32 ~$34 less | ~$55 – $70 |
- Uncle Nearest 1856 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.
Uncle Nearest 1856
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 100 Proof Uncle Nearest 1856
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/5 spice: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 5 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/7 sweetness: Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 7 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 5 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- 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.
- Uncle Nearest 1856: Named for Nathan 'Nearest' Green, the enslaved distiller who taught Jack Daniel, and now backed by the brand's own distillery in Shelbyville. Sweet and maple-leaning with the charcoal-mellowed softness of the style.
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 Uncle Nearest 1856 if you want a sweet, maple-forward Tennessee whiskey with a story worth knowing behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Uncle Nearest 1856).