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Old Forester 1870 Original Batch vs Old Forester 86 Proof
On paper Old Forester 1870 Original Batch and Old Forester 86 Proof are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$45 – $55 vs. ~$20 – $26) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 1870 Original Batch | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 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) +4 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$20 – $26 ~$27 less |
- 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.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 2 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 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.
- Old Forester 86 Proof: The entry bottling and the cheapest way to meet the Old Forester banana-and-caramel signature. Thin at 86 proof, but it costs very little and mixes well.
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 Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, highball (Old Forester 1870 Original Batch); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).