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Old Forester Statesman vs Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Put Old Forester Statesman next to Horse Soldier Barrel Strength and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against an uncut, high-wheat heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester Statesman | Horse Soldier Barrel Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 70% corn, 20% wheat, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) | 111 proof (55.5% ABV) +16 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $55 ~$29 less | ~$78 – $85 |
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Old Forester Statesman
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester Statesman Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/7 heat: Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10
fruit 7/5 fruit: Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 6 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 3 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Old Forester Statesman: Old Forester's fruit-forward middle child, first made for a spy movie tie-in. Bright cherry and brown sugar lead, with cocoa and a touch of the house banana note.
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength: A barrel-strength wheater from the veteran-founded Horse Soldier brand. Brown sugar and toasted oak lead, baking spice and heat follow, and a splash of water pulls out darker fruit.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Old Forester Statesman if you want a bright, cherry-sweet Old Forester that sits between the 100 and 1920 in weight at a lower price point.
- Go with Horse Soldier Barrel Strength if you want a big, barrel-strength wheated bourbon with plenty of brown sugar and warmth with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman); neat, old-fashioned (Horse Soldier Barrel Strength).