Old Forester 86 Proof 750ML

Old Forester 86 Proof 750ML is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) in a 750ml bottle. As America’s longest-running bourbon brand — and the first bourbon ever sold exclusively in sealed glass bottles — this expression earned 96 points and an “Extraordinary” rating from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2015.
Quick Facts: ABV: 43%  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon  |  Distillery: Old Forester Distilling Co. / Brown-Forman
Production & Heritage
Old Forester was founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, who revolutionized the bourbon industry by selling whiskey exclusively in sealed glass bottles — a quality guarantee in an era of unregulated barrel sales. It remains the only bourbon continuously distilled and marketed by the founding family before, during, and after Prohibition, produced today by Brown-Forman at their distillery in Shively, Kentucky, and at Old Forester Distilling Co. on Louisville’s Whiskey Row. The 86 Proof expression uses a mashbill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, aged in new charred American oak barrels in temperature-controlled, heat-cycled warehouses that accelerate the interaction between spirit and wood.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Vanilla and caramel arrive first, followed by bright citrus and tropical fruit. Beneath those primary notes sit subtle layers of nutmeg, clove, and faint brown butter.
Taste: The entry is soft with honey and brown sugar sweetness, transitioning to red apple and ripe cherry fruit at mid-palate. As it develops, toasted oak, cinnamon, and ginger spice from the rye component build steadily, balanced by a pound-cake richness.
Finish: Medium in length with lingering vanilla, light woody tannins, and a gentle warmth. A trace of toasted grain and banana lingers as the spice fades cleanly.
How to Drink Old Forester 86
At 86 proof, this bourbon sits in a versatile sweet spot — enough proof to stand up in cocktails without overwhelming the palate when sipped neat or over a single large ice cube. An Old Fashioned is the natural first call, where the bourbon’s caramel and citrus notes harmonize with bitters and sugar. It shines in a Whiskey Sour, as the fruit-forward profile plays well against fresh lemon juice. A classic Mint Julep lets the underlying sweetness and rye spice cut through crushed ice and fresh mint.
Best For
Building a versatile home bourbon bar without a steep investment
Introducing someone to straight bourbon for the first time
Mixing classic bourbon cocktails at home with a reliable base spirit
Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who appreciates historic American distilling heritage
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Old Forester 86 taste like? Old Forester 86 Proof presents a balance of vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar sweetness against red apple fruit and moderate rye spice, with toasted oak providing structure. The overall profile is approachable and fruit-forward with a medium-length finish.
How does Old Forester 86 compare to Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7? Both are produced by Brown-Forman and sit at similar price points, but Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee whiskey that undergoes charcoal mellowing (the Lincoln County Process), which strips some of the bolder grain character and yields a smoother, lighter profile. Old Forester 86 skips that filtration step and carries more assertive caramel, fruit, and rye spice as a straight Kentucky bourbon.
Is Old Forester 86 good for cocktails? Old Forester 86 is widely regarded as one of the best value bourbons for cocktails, with enough proof and flavor complexity to hold its own in stirred and shaken drinks without disappearing behind other ingredients. Its caramel-and-fruit backbone works especially well in an Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Manhattan.
Where is Old Forester 86 made? Old Forester 86 Proof is produced in Kentucky by Brown-Forman, primarily at their Shively, Kentucky distillery and at the Old Forester Distilling Co. on Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row. The brand has been rooted in Louisville since its founding in 1870.
What foods pair well with Old Forester 86? Smoked pulled pork complements the bourbon’s caramel and oak notes. Sharp cheddar cheese highlights its fruit character. Pecan pie echoes the brown sugar sweetness in the spirit. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage draws out the vanilla and spice undertones. Grilled stone fruit, such as peaches, mirrors the bourbon’s tropical and ripe fruit qualities.
What sizes does Old Forester 86 come in? Old Forester 86 Proof is commonly available in 750ml, 1L, and 1.75L bottles, with 375ml and 50ml miniatures also found in many markets.
Is Old Forester 86 worth the price? Old Forester 86 Proof positions as an entry-level bourbon that consistently punches above its price tier — its 96-point score from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2015 and multiple Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition attest to a level of quality unusual at this value segment.
Why Old Forester 86?
Few bourbons at this price point carry the competitive résumé of Old Forester 86 Proof: a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013 and a 96-point “Extraordinary” rating from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2015. Beyond accolades, the bourbon draws from over 150 years of unbroken production history — the only bourbon brand that can make that claim through Prohibition. The 72/18/10 mashbill delivers a rye-forward spice uncommon among entry-level bourbons, and Brown-Forman’s heat-cycled warehouse aging adds maturity that belies the accessible price. In a crowded field of budget bourbons, Old Forester 86 stands apart on verifiable heritage and critical recognition rather than marketing narrative.