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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon
Comparing Old Forester 86 Proof and Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a modern, wheated craft expression.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 70% corn, 5% rye, 25% wheat |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$20 – $26 ~$27 less | ~$45 – $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.
Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon
Didn't care for this one.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/5 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 5 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 6 out of 10
oak 4/4 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon: An organic, wheat-heavy bourbon from a Michigan craft distillery. It stays round and caramel sweet on the palate with a peppery edge, while the nose is quiet and still a little young.
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 Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon if you want an organic, Midwest craft wheater with a round, caramel-forward body.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon).