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Old Forester Statesman vs Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Comparing Old Forester Statesman and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester Statesman | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 13 years |
| Proof | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +29 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $55 ~$198 less | ~$200 – $300 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 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.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester Statesman Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/8 heat: Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
oak 5/8 oak: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 7/6 fruit: Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 8/8 sweetness: Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof: Thirteen-year Wild Turkey at full barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Cola, molasses and fruit cobbler sit on deep, charred oak, and each release carries its own proof.
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 significantly lower price point.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman); neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof).