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Willett Pot Still Reserve vs Old Forester 100 Proof
Comparing Willett Pot Still Reserve and Old Forester 100 Proof reveals a matchup between a modern, even-keeled craft expression and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Willett Pot Still Reserve | Old Forester 100 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 | 94 proof (47% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +6 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $60 | ~$26 – $32 ~$24 less |
- Willett Pot Still Reserve does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Willett Pot Still Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Willett Pot Still Reserve Old Forester 100 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/6 spice: Willett Pot Still Reserve 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/7 sweetness: Willett Pot Still Reserve 7 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 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.
- Willett Pot Still Reserve: Famous first for the pot-still-shaped decanter and second for the whiskey, which is a fair ordering. Pleasant, sweet and fruit-leaning, with a good deal of the price attached to the glass.
- 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 Willett Pot Still Reserve if you want a distinctive bottle on the shelf and an easy, fruit-forward pour inside it.
- 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 neat, rocks (Willett Pot Still Reserve); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof).