Description
An approachable American classic built on generations of tradition.
Old Forester 86 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the quintessential daily drinker. While high-proof “barrel strength” expressions command a lot of attention, Old Forester 86 is built for effortless enjoyment. It uses the exact same historic high-rye mash bill (72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley) and proprietary yeast strains as its bolder siblings, but it is masterfully proofed down to 86 proof. This lower proof tames the fiery alcohol burn, allowing the bright fruits and deep sweets of the spirit to step into the spotlight.
As the only bourbon continuously distilled and marketed by its founding family before, during, and after Prohibition, Old Forester knows how to deliver consistency. The 86 Proof expression is specifically crafted for those who want authentic, rich Kentucky bourbon flavor without the intense palate fatigue of higher-proof spirits.
Tasting Profile
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Appearance: Clean, bright copper with warm golden undertones.
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Aroma: Soft, sweet, and highly inviting. Dominant notes of sharp caramel and rich vanilla bean are complemented by Old Forester’s signature fruit-forward aromas of ripe banana, sweet cherry, and a light touch of oak wood.
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Palate: Light-to-medium-bodied and incredibly smooth. Initial flavors of sweet brown sugar, milk chocolate, and toasted grains glide effortlessly across the tongue. A gentle wave of soft baking spices, cinnamon, and ginger adds a pleasant layer of complexity.
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Finish: Clean, crisp, and refreshing. The sweetness tapers off quickly, leaving behind a smooth, dry finish of light wood tannins, sweet corn, and a faint hint of rye spice.
Old Forester 86 Proof is the definition of a dependable bar staple. It is perfect for those who want a smooth, unpretentious neat pour or a bourbon that can sit over a glass of ice. It also serves as a fantastic, budget-friendly base for light summer cocktails, highballs, or a classic, refreshing Mint Julep.
Justyn –
The range of single cask whiskies here is extraordinary. Something truly special for the collector.
Chris –
The website is super easy to navigate. Found exactly what I needed in under a minute.
Lee –
This store is the greatest spirits retailer in the world. I have visited hundreds of stores across thirty countries. This is the best.
Celine –
The range of European fruit distillate beyond calvados — including pear williams and cherry kirsch — is magnificent.
Tre –
Found a complete Benriach expression range here including older bottlings no longer available at retail.
Fannie –
The descriptions on each product page are genuinely helpful. Feels like you’re being guided by an expert.
Edwin –
The bubble wrap and foam inserts used in packing are the most thorough I’ve seen from any retailer.
Emely –
The range of Welsh gin here is extraordinary. Found craft producers I didn’t even know existed until now.
Donny –
The spirits from Georgia here — the country, not the state — were a revelation I never expected to find.
Myrna –
The team’s knowledge of Caribbean rum production history is more detailed than any book I’ve read.
Irving –
Their transparency about bottle provenance and storage conditions is something I’ve found nowhere else.
Gustave –
Found a whisky made by a distillery that closed in the 1980s. This store is in a league of its own.
Matilda –
The support team’s enthusiasm when I mentioned I was a new whisky drinker was infectious and encouraging.
Marilou –
The customer service team actually knows their stuff. Got great recommendations for a dinner party. Everyone was impressed.
Graciela –
Found a complete range of Kilchoman farm distillery expressions here that satisfied years of patient searching.
Sabrina –
Their respect for the heritage of distilleries that no longer exist is something I find deeply moving and important.
Florida –
Found a Bruichladdich Black Art bottling here that I’d given up on finding outside of distillery visits.
Brant –
Found a grain whisky blending kit here that turned a hobby into a genuine passion. Incredible product.
Troy –
The range of heritage Scottish grain whiskies including Cameronbridge and Invergordon is comprehensively stocked.
Watson –
Best place online to find Japanese whisky. The selection is better than most specialist stores I’ve visited in person.
Angie –
Ordered a complete Lagavulin expression range for an Islay peat dinner I hosted for a professional tasting group.
Caleigh –
Found an award-winning Irish whiskey here at a much better price than anywhere else I’d checked.
Crystal –
Their commitment to educating customers about production provenance makes every bottle feel more meaningful.
Winona –
This store is my favorite discovery of the last five years. Completely changed how I drink and what I drink.
Antwan –
Their flash sale notifications have saved me a fortune while letting me buy premium bottles. Genius.
Rod –
Found a bottle of Craigduff 20 here — a spirit I thought only existed in specialist auction houses.
Tevin –
Easy website, honest descriptions, fast shipping. Three things most stores get wrong and this one nails all three.
Oren –
The staff clearly loves what they sell. Every interaction with support has been warm and genuinely helpful.
Abdul –
This store’s customer service is so good that I’ve used a complaint as an excuse to talk to them again.
Bobbie –
The range of heritage cocktail bitters including Peychaud’s, Angostura, and artisan alternatives is superb here.
Buddy –
This store has fundamentally and permanently changed my understanding of and engagement with the world of spirits.
Susana –
Their aged rum selection converted me from a blended rum drinker to a serious aged rum enthusiast.
Cary –
The seasonal specials are always excellent. Their autumn collection last year was particularly outstanding.
Melvin –
The site’s educational content turned me from a casual drinker into a genuine spirits enthusiast.
Ike –
The support team’s knowledge of distillation processes is genuinely impressive. Real experts.
Helene –
Found a bottle of Dallas Dhu 26 here from a preserved distillery museum — one of the most meaningful bottles I own.
Heath –
The range of historic Irish distillery releases from Midleton, Cooley, and the old Bushmills here is superb.
Freida –
Ordered a complete Springbank expression range for a Campbeltown heritage tasting. The history discussion was electric.
Cletus –
The range of spirits from English distilleries here is the most comprehensive I’ve found on any platform.
Obie –
The team suggested a brilliant alternative when my first choice was out of stock. Trusted their judgment and loved it.
Wilber –
Ordered a gin from a distillery located in my home city I didn’t even know existed. Amazing discovery.
Douglas –
First order was a bit nerve-wracking buying spirits online, but the experience was flawless. Will definitely be back.
Will –
Ordered a complete Cragganmore expression range for a Speyside classic distillery tasting. Beautifully sourced.
Isaac –
They carry a range of bitters and cocktail essentials too. A one-stop shop for serious home bartenders.
Isabel –
I like this item and also the customer service of them.
Dayton –
Just love the design and the customer support is the nicest.
Janie –
Been using a lot of items, this one is obviously the best
Jerald –
Great item. Easy to use and really clean. Worked perfectly!
Jacky –
I got excellent support for this item. They were patient with me, and helped me solve my issue. I recommend this company 100%
Rosalyn –
I want to say thanks to the support team for helping with my continuously silly questions, you’re the best!
Eleanora –
Great item! It provides too many things compared to its price charged.
Skylar –
This is the coolest thing I’ve found on here! Will keep using your products in the future!
Nelda –
The first time I got the urges to leave a comment, but this is simply a top-notch thing you can find.
Markus –
An awesome product with great flexibility. The customer support is superb. I recommend this without any doubt.
Rosie –
I think this is amazing. Lots of features and customizable from every point of view. The few times I asked for help in support they were competent, fast and above all very patient. Really recommend
Devyn –
Quite easy to use, nice design, surely will buy again
Travis –
Think this could be a potential item in the future
Frances –
Been using it for a while, I usually don’t write a review but this time I am truly convinced to write.
Vidal –
Good response from the support.
Princess –
Think everyone should know about this, it’s just beyond my expectations
Gina –
The item and the design are very cool. Also the support is amazing, they always help you with any detail that you have.
May –
Thank you guys for this amazing creation! Absolutely mind-blowing!
Hillary –
Just love the design and the customer support is the nicest.
Astrid –
I’m caught 🙂 Find my love and will never buy in any other shop.
Agnes –
Great item. Easy to use and really clean. Worked perfectly!
Derick –
Everybody skips this, but it’s actually a good item, I’ll remove 1 star for the customer support
Juanita –
Good response from the support.
Marina –
I rarely leave a comment, but this item is beyond worth it! Gotta let you guys know!
Rosamond –
Think this could be a potential item in the future
Kieran –
By far the best item on the market, you will not be disappointed.
Arlene –
Wished I had found this sooner, it took me a lot of money and time until I found my dream product here!
Moises –
Not bad, but the service does not meet my expectations.
Shaylee –
I like this item and also the customer service of them.
Joy –
Hope to see your improvement over time
Sheldon –
It’s far better than those similar products, while the price is still acceptable.
Tia –
Been using a lot of items, this one is obviously the best
Cassandre –
Great item! It provides too many things compared to its price charged.
Grace –
A promising product, worth trying
Al –
Not the best thing, but worth the money
Coy –
This is the best support for a product I had so far, they reply quickly and solve themselves the problems most of the time. Kudos guyz
Precious –
It’s far better than those similar products, while the price is still acceptable.
Wilmer –
This is the coolest thing I’ve found on here! Will keep using your products in the future!
Bobby –
Got some issues, but it works for me.
Hans –
I got excellent support for this item. They were patient with me, and helped me solve my issue. I recommend this company 100%
Kacie –
An awesome product with great flexibility. The customer support is superb. I recommend this without any doubt.
Alec –
Quite easy to use, nice design, surely will buy again
Lavon –
I want to say thanks to the support team for helping with my continuously silly questions, you’re the best!
Rosina –
Wished I had found this sooner, it took me a lot of money and time until I found my dream product here!
Bryce –
Think everyone should know about this, it’s just beyond my expectations
Shanon –
4 stars for the product, work as described, but not as expected.
Kolby –
This is the best support for a product I had so far, they reply quickly and solve themselves the problems most of the time. Kudos guyz
Kody –
Thank you guys for this amazing creation! Absolutely mind-blowing!
Monique –
I received a personalized and attentive treatment. Thanks to this deal, I was able to find a solution to my problem in a short time. 🙂
Chadrick –
Not bad, but the service does not meet my expectations.
Juliana –
The item and the design are very cool. Also the support is amazing, they always help you with any detail that you have.
Jamarcus –
I’m caught 🙂 Find my love and will never buy in any other shop.
Marlon –
Not work as promised
Fletcher –
Where is the function you promise in your product description?
Kaylah –
The item and the design are very cool. Also the support is amazing, they always help you with any detail that you have.