Compare
Redemption Bourbon vs Old Forester 100 Proof
On paper Redemption Bourbon and Old Forester 100 Proof are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (84 vs. 100) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Redemption Bourbon | Old Forester 100 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 84 proof (42% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +16 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$25 – $32 | ~$26 – $32 |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Redemption Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Redemption Bourbon Old Forester 100 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Redemption Bourbon 4 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: Redemption Bourbon 7 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- Redemption Bourbon: Straightforward sourced MGP at a modest proof, and about as clear a reference sample of the high-rye MGP profile as you can buy. Thin neat, but a reliable and inexpensive cocktail base.
- Old Forester 100 Proof: The bottle most people should buy from this range: the same recipe as the 86 with enough proof to actually taste it. One of the strongest arguments on the shelf for spending six dollars more.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Redemption Bourbon if you want an inexpensive, unambiguous example of the MGP high-rye style for mixing.
- Go with Old Forester 100 Proof if you want the best value in the Old Forester range and a superb old-fashioned base.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, highball (Redemption Bourbon); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof).