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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Larceny Barrel Proof
Put Old Forester 86 Proof next to Larceny Barrel Proof and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against an uncut, high-wheat heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Larceny Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 124 proof (62% ABV) +38 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$20 – $26 ~$40 less | ~$55 – $70 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- 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.
Larceny Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Larceny Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/9 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Larceny Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
sweetness 6/9 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Larceny Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Larceny Barrel Proof 3 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Larceny Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Larceny Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Larceny Barrel Proof 3 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.
- Larceny Barrel Proof: The wheated recipe at full barrel strength, and a genuinely dense pour. Thick caramel and baked fruit carry the heat well, and it takes water more gracefully than most bottles at this proof.
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 Larceny Barrel Proof if you want wheated sweetness with barrel-proof concentration, without the Weller price or hunt with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); neat (Larceny Barrel Proof).