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Old Forester 100 Proof vs Willett Pot Still Reserve
Comparing Old Forester 100 Proof and Willett Pot Still Reserve reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a modern, even-keeled craft expression.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 100 Proof | Willett Pot Still Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +6 proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $32 ~$24 less | ~$45 – $60 |
- Willett Pot Still 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.
Willett Pot Still Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 100 Proof Willett Pot Still Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/5 spice: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 5 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/7 sweetness: Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 7 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 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.
- Willett Pot Still Reserve: Famous first for the pot-still-shaped decanter and second for the whiskey, which is a fair ordering. Pleasant, sweet and fruit-leaning, with a good deal of the price attached to the glass.
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 Willett Pot Still Reserve if you want a distinctive bottle on the shelf and an easy, fruit-forward pour inside it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof); neat, rocks (Willett Pot Still Reserve).