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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
Put Old Forester 86 Proof next to Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 110 proof (55% ABV) +24 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $26 ~$67 less | ~$80 – $100 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 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.
Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/8 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 8 out of 10
oak 4/8 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 8 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 7 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series): Barrell blends sourced barrels from multiple states and bottles at cask strength, and the batches differ enormously. At their best they show a tropical fruit note that almost nothing else in bourbon delivers.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price without hunting for it.
- Go with Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) if you want an adventurous, cask-strength blend and you accept that each batch is its own animal with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); neat (Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)).