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Yellowstone Select vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Comparing Yellowstone Select and Old Forester 86 Proof reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Yellowstone Select | 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 | 93 proof (46.5% ABV) +7 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$20 – $26 ~$22 less |
- Yellowstone Select 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
Yellowstone Select
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Yellowstone Select Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/5 spice: Yellowstone Select 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Yellowstone Select 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Yellowstone Select 2 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Yellowstone Select 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Yellowstone Select 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Yellowstone Select 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 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.
- Yellowstone Select: A revived historic brand from Limestone Branch. Light and creamy, with toasted oak, vanilla and peach and a short, peppery finish. Part of the proceeds support Yellowstone National Park.
- 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 Yellowstone Select if you want a light, creamy everyday sipper with a historic name with slightly 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 rocks, highball, old-fashioned (Yellowstone Select); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).