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Old Forester 1870 Original Batch vs Angel’s Envy
Put Old Forester 1870 Original Batch next to Angel’s Envy and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a contemporary, corn-forward craft build.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 1870 Original Batch | Angel’s Envy |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) +3 proof | 86.6 proof (43.3% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$45 – $55 |
- Angel’s Envy does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Angel’s Envy
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Angel’s Envy
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 7 out of 10, Angel’s Envy 8 out of 10
fruit 6/7 fruit: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 6 out of 10, Angel’s Envy 7 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 2 out of 10, Angel’s Envy 3 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 4 out of 10, Angel’s Envy 4 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 5 out of 10, Angel’s Envy 5 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 3 out of 10, Angel’s Envy 3 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 1870 Original Batch: The first bottle in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series, recreating the founder's habit of blending barrels from three warehouses. It is the lightest of the series, caramel sweet and easy.
- Angel’s Envy: Finished in port barrels, which pushes it well away from the traditional bourbon template toward berry and raisin sweetness. Divisive among purists and extremely popular with everyone else.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Old Forester 1870 Original Batch if you want the gentlest, most easygoing pour in the Whiskey Row Series.
- Go with Angel’s Envy if you want an overtly fruity, port-finished bourbon that breaks from the traditional profile on purpose.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, highball (Old Forester 1870 Original Batch); neat, rocks (Angel’s Envy).