Compare
Old Forester 86 Proof vs Wild Turkey Longbranch
Put Old Forester 86 Proof next to Wild Turkey Longbranch and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a classic, corn-forward stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Wild Turkey Longbranch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 8 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $26 ~$17 less | ~$35 – $45 |
- Wild Turkey Longbranch 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.
Wild Turkey Longbranch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Wild Turkey Longbranch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey Longbranch 7 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey Longbranch 4 out of 10
oak 4/5 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey Longbranch 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey Longbranch 2 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey Longbranch 5 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey Longbranch 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.
- Wild Turkey Longbranch: Eight-year Wild Turkey filtered through American oak charcoal and then Texas mesquite charcoal. It is softer and sweeter than the usual Turkey, with honey and orange and a faint smoke.
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 Wild Turkey Longbranch if you want a softer, sweeter Wild Turkey with a light mesquite smoke.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); rocks, highball, old-fashioned (Wild Turkey Longbranch).