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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Yellowstone Select
Comparing Old Forester 86 Proof and Yellowstone Select reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Yellowstone Select |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 93 proof (46.5% ABV) +7 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $26 ~$22 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- Yellowstone Select 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.
Yellowstone Select
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Yellowstone Select
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/4 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 4 out of 10
oak 4/5 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 5 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- 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.
- Yellowstone Select: A revived historic brand from Limestone Branch. Light and creamy, with toasted oak, vanilla and peach and a short, peppery finish. Part of the proceeds support Yellowstone National Park.
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 Yellowstone Select if you want a light, creamy everyday sipper with a historic name with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); rocks, highball, old-fashioned (Yellowstone Select).