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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Zackariah Harris
Comparing Old Forester 86 Proof and Zackariah Harris reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Zackariah Harris |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +6 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $26 | ~$13 – $22 ~$6 less |
- Zackariah Harris 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.
Zackariah Harris
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Zackariah Harris
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 5/2 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Zackariah Harris 2 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Zackariah Harris 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Zackariah Harris 5 out of 10
oak 4/3 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Zackariah Harris 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Zackariah Harris 2 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Zackariah Harris 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- 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.
- Zackariah Harris: A bottom-shelf Kentucky straight bourbon, mostly sold in liters and handles. Simple caramel and oak with a short, warm 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 Zackariah Harris if you want a simple Kentucky bourbon for mixing at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); highball, cocktails (Zackariah Harris).