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Rowan's Creek vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Comparing Rowan's Creek and Old Forester 86 Proof reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Rowan's Creek | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100.1 proof (50.0% ABV) +14 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$20 – $26 ~$22 less |
- Rowan's Creek 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
Rowan's Creek
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Rowan's Creek Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/5 spice: Rowan's Creek 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: Rowan's Creek 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Rowan's Creek 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Rowan's Creek 2 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Rowan's Creek 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
oak 4/4 oak: Rowan's Creek 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- Rowan's Creek: A small-batch Willett bottling that tastes rye-forward and herbal. Honey and caramel sit under mint, hay and warm spice, with a peppermint lift on the finish.
- Old Forester 86 Proof: The entry bottling and the cheapest way to meet the Old Forester banana-and-caramel signature. Thin at 86 proof, but it costs very little and mixes well.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Rowan's Creek if you want an herbal, minty, rye-forward Willett bottling with more proof behind it.
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Rowan's Creek); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).