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Stellum Bourbon vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Comparing Stellum Bourbon and Old Forester 86 Proof reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Stellum Bourbon | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +29 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$20 – $26 ~$27 less |
- 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
Stellum Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Stellum Bourbon Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 7/3 heat: Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
spice 7/5 spice: Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Stellum Bourbon 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Stellum Bourbon 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Stellum Bourbon); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).