Compare
Old Forester Statesman vs Stellum Bourbon
Comparing Old Forester Statesman and Stellum Bourbon reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester Statesman | Stellum Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| 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) | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +20 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $55 | ~$45 – $55 |
- Stellum Bourbon 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.
Stellum Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester Statesman Stellum Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 7/4 fruit: Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 4 out of 10
heat 4/7 heat: Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- 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.
- Stellum Bourbon: Barrell's lower-priced, cask-strength line. It drinks gentler than its proof, with vanilla and caramel on top of cinnamon, clove and a long, spicy 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 Stellum Bourbon if you want a cask-strength, multi-state blend that drinks easier than its proof with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman); neat, old-fashioned (Stellum Bourbon).