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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
On paper Old Forester 86 Proof and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$20 – $26 vs. ~$50 – $62) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Woodford Reserve Double Oaked |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$20 – $26 ~$33 less | ~$50 – $62 |
- 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.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 4/9 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 9 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 8 out of 10
heat 3/4 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 4 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 5 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 3 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.
- Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: A second barrel, deeply toasted, and the result is unashamedly dessert-like. Maple and caramelised sugar with heavy wood — polarising if you want restraint, excellent if you want sweetness.
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 Woodford Reserve Double Oaked if you want an overtly sweet, heavily oaked, dessert-leaning bourbon.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); neat, rocks (Woodford Reserve Double Oaked).