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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Rowan's Creek
Comparing Old Forester 86 Proof and Rowan's Creek reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Rowan's Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100.1 proof (50.0% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $26 ~$22 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- Rowan's Creek 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.
Rowan's Creek
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Rowan's Creek
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/7 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 7 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 5 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 6 out of 10
oak 4/4 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- 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.
- Rowan's Creek: A small-batch Willett bottling that tastes rye-forward and herbal. Honey and caramel sit under mint, hay and warm spice, with a peppermint lift on the 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.
- Go with Rowan's Creek if you want an herbal, minty, rye-forward Willett bottling with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Rowan's Creek).