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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Rebel 100
Comparing Old Forester 86 Proof and Rebel 100 reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a blender-built, wheated bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Rebel 100 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 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) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $26 | ~$20 – $25 |
- Rebel 100 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.
Rebel 100
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Rebel 100
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/2 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Rebel 100 2 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Rebel 100 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Rebel 100 7 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Rebel 100 4 out of 10
oak 4/4 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Rebel 100 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Rebel 100 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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.
- Rebel 100: A budget wheater at a useful proof. Sweet vanilla, honey and caramel with soft bread notes and very little rye bite.
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 Rebel 100 if you want a sweet, 100-proof wheater for mixing and easy sipping.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Rebel 100).