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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon
Old Forester 86 Proof and Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, rye-forward classic versus a blender-built, wheat-forward bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% wheat, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $26 ~$29 less | ~$49 – $55 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 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.
Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 4/6 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 3 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/5 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 7 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon: A Notre Dame-licensed wheater given a second, double-oaked barrel. Maple, honey butter and toasted nuts lead, with charred wood and pepper on a long, warm finish.
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 Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon if you want a double-oaked wheater with maple, toasted nuts and charred wood with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); neat, old-fashioned (Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon).