If you haven’t read the blog, you should know that I have become a huge Old Forester fan over the last year. It all started with a bottle that was purchased to get a big bottle of Eagle Rare and it was solidified when I attended the Old Forester tasting at FoxGardin Ale House.

So a little more about Old Forester 86, 100, and the general Brown-Forman distillery. And then I’ll share my preference between the 86 and the 100 proof variations.

Old Forester Basics

Old Forester is a well-known American bourbon whiskey brand that has been in operation since 1870. It is produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation and is named after Dr. William Forrester, a physician who prescribed whiskey as a medicinal treatment.

Old Forester offers a range of bourbon whiskeys, including the Old Forester 86 Proof and the Old Forester 100 Proof. The key difference between these two expressions lies in their alcohol content, which affects their flavor profiles and overall characteristics.

Old Forester 86 Proof

I currently have a 1.75L bottle of this on my counter. I purchased it from Kroger during their beloved 25% off sale. I really wanted Old Forster 100 proof, but I settled on this during the sale because I couldn’t find any large bottles of the 100 on the shelf.

This bourbon is bottled at 43% alcohol by volume (ABV). It is a slightly lower proof whiskey, which means it has a lower alcohol content compared to the 100 Proof version. Old Forester 86 Proof is known for its smooth and approachable flavor profile. It has notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, with a relatively mellow and balanced taste. The lower alcohol content allows the flavors to shine without overwhelming the palate.

Old Forester 100 Proof

This might giveaway my choice, but Old Forester 100 is my go-to bourbon. I think it’s a cinnamon bomb and it has a lot of oak to back that up. It’s just plain yummy in my book.

This bourbon is bottled at 50% ABV. It is a higher proof whiskey, which means it has a higher alcohol content compared to the 86 Proof version. Old Forester 100 Proof delivers a bolder and more intense flavor experience. It tends to have a stronger presence of spices, including cinnamon and pepper, along with a richer oak character. The higher alcohol content contributes to a warmer and more robust mouthfeel.

Which is Better – Old Forester 86 Vs 100?

If you were paying attention, you know my pick would be the 100 proof. But I’m not everyone.

Both the Old Forester 86 Proof and 100 Proof bourbons are made using a similar mash bill, which consists of a high proportion of corn, along with rye and malted barley. They are aged in new, charred oak barrels, which imparts additional flavors and complexity to the whiskeys.

The choice between the Old Forester 86 Proof and 100 Proof ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a smoother and more approachable bourbon with milder flavors, the 86 Proof might be the better option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a stronger and more robust whiskey with spicier notes, the 100 Proof version would be the way to go.

I choose the 100 proof because I like to drink my bourbon on the rocks. And the higher proof essentially comes down when the ice starts to melt. So I guess it’s really a toss up. If you are drinking without ice, go for the 86. If you are on the rocks, go for the 100. And if you want to be frisky, drink the 100 straight.

Ultimately, both expressions offer quality bourbons that showcase the Old Forester distillery’s craftsmanship and heritage. So you can’t lose.

Cheers!