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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Four Roses Bourbon
Old Forester 86 Proof and Four Roses Bourbon are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is proof (86 vs. 80).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Four Roses Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) +6 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$20 – $26 | ~$22 – $28 |
- 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.
Four Roses Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Four Roses Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 4/3 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10
heat 3/2 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 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 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.
- Four Roses Bourbon: The yellow label entry point, blending all ten Four Roses recipes at a gentle 80 proof. Light and fruity to a fault, but the house floral character is already recognisable and it mixes beautifully.
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 Four Roses Bourbon if you want the Four Roses fruit-and-floral signature at its lightest and cheapest.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); cocktails, highball, rocks (Four Roses Bourbon).