Compare
Old Forester 86 Proof vs Penelope Architect
Comparing Old Forester 86 Proof and Penelope Architect reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Penelope Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 104 proof (52% ABV) +18 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$20 – $26 ~$42 less | ~$60 – $70 |
- 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.
Penelope Architect
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Penelope Architect
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/6 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 7 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
oak 4/5 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Penelope Architect 5 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Penelope Architect 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.
- Penelope Architect: Penelope's four-grain blend finished with French oak staves chosen for their tannin. The French oak adds berry, cherry and warm spice to a vanilla-heavy base.
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 Penelope Architect if you want a four-grain bourbon with a French oak finish that adds berries and warm spice with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect).