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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Penelope Rio
Comparing Old Forester 86 Proof and Penelope Rio reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Penelope Rio |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 98 proof (49% ABV) +12 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$20 – $26 ~$67 less | ~$80 – $100 |
| 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.
Penelope Rio
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Penelope Rio
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/9 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Penelope Rio 9 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Penelope Rio 5 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Penelope Rio 6 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Penelope Rio 6 out of 10
oak 4/4 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Penelope Rio 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Penelope Rio 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- 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 Rio: Penelope's four-grain blend finished in honey barrels and then amburana wood. It tastes like a cinnamon roll: honey, gingerbread and sweet baking spice.
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 Penelope Rio if you want a honey-and-amburana-finished bourbon that tastes like a cinnamon roll with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Rio).