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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Comparing Old Forester 86 Proof and Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 68% corn, 18% rye, 14% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 4 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 125.2 proof (62.6% ABV) +39 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $26 ~$47 less | ~$65 – $75 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 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.
Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/9 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 9 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 7 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
oak 4/4 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year: Willett's own young distillate at full barrel proof. It is loud and sweet, all caramel corn, pastry and citrus, with a lot of heat for a four-year bourbon. Proof varies by batch.
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 Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year if you want a young, hot, barrel-proof pour that shows off Willett's own distillate with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); neat (Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year).