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Old Forester 1870 Original Batch vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Put Old Forester 1870 Original Batch next to Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 1870 Original Batch | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 ~$485 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 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.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 2 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 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.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
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 significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, highball (Old Forester 1870 Original Batch); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).