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Old Forester 1870 Original Batch vs Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch and Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, rye-forward classic versus a blender-built, classically built bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 1870 Original Batch | Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 ~$28 less | ~$70 – $85 |
- Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 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.
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 7 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 5 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 2 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 4 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 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.
- Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea: Bourbon that spends months rocking in a ship's hold. Each voyage tastes a little different, but expect caramel and dark sugar with a savory, faintly salty edge from the trip.
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 at a lower price point.
- Go with Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea if you want a conversation-piece bourbon with a savory, slightly briny twist from aging at sea.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, highball (Old Forester 1870 Original Batch); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea).