Compare
Old Forester 86 Proof vs Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Put Old Forester 86 Proof next to Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a blender-built, corn-forward bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $26 ~$55 less | ~$70 – $85 |
- Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 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.
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 4/6 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 5 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea: Bourbon that spends months rocking in a ship's hold. Each voyage tastes a little different, but expect caramel and dark sugar with a savory, faintly salty edge from the trip.
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 Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea if you want a conversation-piece bourbon with a savory, slightly briny twist from aging at sea.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea).