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Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Put Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof next to Old Forester 86 Proof and you have a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 13 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +38 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$200 – $300 | ~$20 – $26 ~$227 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- 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
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 8/3 heat: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
oak 8/4 oak: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).