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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat
Comparing Old Forester 86 Proof and Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a modern, wheated craft expression.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 53% corn, 39% wheat, 8% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 6 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 106 proof (53% ABV) +20 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$20 – $26 ~$30 less | ~$50 – $55 |
- 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.
Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 5/8 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 8 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 3 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 7 out of 10
oak 4/5 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- 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.
- Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat: Because wheat makes up a massive 39% of the mash bill, this pour trades the aggressive spice of rye for a softer, oily mouthfeel. Expect bright fruit notes like ripe apricot and lemon on the nose, transitioning to pastry dough, light oak, and a creamy creme brulee sweetness balanced by a mild peppery backbone.
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 Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat if you want a softer, fruit-forward, contemporary profile with a richer, oily texture and lower emphasis on traditional oak with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); neat, rocks (Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat).