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Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B vs Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Put Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B next to Old Forester 1870 Original Batch and you have a classic, high-wheat stalwart set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B | Old Forester 1870 Original Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 12 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$170 – $900 | ~$45 – $55 ~$485 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 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
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 7 out of 10
spice 3/4 spice: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 4 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 5 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 2 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
- Old Forester 1870 Original Batch: The first bottle in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series, recreating the founder's habit of blending barrels from three warehouses. It is the lightest of the series, caramel sweet and easy.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
- Go with Old Forester 1870 Original Batch if you want the gentlest, most easygoing pour in the Whiskey Row Series at a significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B); neat, rocks, highball (Old Forester 1870 Original Batch).