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Old Forester Statesman vs Johnny Drum Private Stock
Comparing Old Forester Statesman and Johnny Drum Private Stock reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester Statesman | Johnny Drum Private Stock |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +6 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $55 | ~$35 – $45 ~$13 less |
- Johnny Drum Private Stock 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.
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester Statesman Johnny Drum Private Stock
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
nuttiness 2/4 nuttiness: Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
fruit 7/6 fruit: Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- 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.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
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.
- Go with Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock).