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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Ancient Age
On paper Old Forester 86 Proof and Ancient Age are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (86 vs. 80) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Ancient Age |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) +6 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $26 | ~$14 – $18 ~$7 less |
- Ancient Age 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 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Ancient Age
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Ancient Age
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Ancient Age 5 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
oak 4/3 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Ancient Age 3 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
heat 3/2 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Ancient Age 2 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 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 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.
- Ancient Age: The bottom rung of the Buffalo Trace ladder and priced accordingly. Thin and simple at 80 proof, but it is recognisably the Mash Bill #2 recipe and it does its job in a highball without complaint.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
- Go with Ancient Age if you want the cheapest honest mixer in the lineup and you are not drinking it neat.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); cocktails, highball (Ancient Age).