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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Stellum Bourbon
Comparing Old Forester 86 Proof and Stellum Bourbon reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Stellum Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +29 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $26 ~$27 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Stellum 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.
Stellum Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Stellum Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/7 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 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.
- Stellum Bourbon: Barrell's lower-priced, cask-strength line. It drinks gentler than its proof, with vanilla and caramel on top of cinnamon, clove and a long, spicy 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 Stellum Bourbon if you want a cask-strength, multi-state blend that drinks easier than its proof with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); neat, old-fashioned (Stellum Bourbon).