Bulleit Bourbon vs Old Forester 86: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 07:53 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the differences between Bulleit Bourbon vs Old Forester 86 in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Bulleit Bourbon vs Old Forester 86: Comparison

Bulleit Bourbon: Opens with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and almond aromas, leading to a palate rich in rye spice, caramel, dried fruit, and nuts. Its long finish marries caramel and rye spice, providing a harmonious blend of warmth and sweetness.

Old Forester 86: Begins with brown sugar, caramel, and a hint of ethanol on the nose, followed by flavors of vanilla, banana, oak, and spice. The finish is sweet with caramel and oak, offering a gentle warmth.

Verdict: Bulleit Bourbon excels with its spicy rye profile balanced by sweet undertones, ideal for those seeking depth and complexity. Old Forester 86 delivers a smooth, sweet experience at a great value, making it a solid choice for everyday enjoyment, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best Alternatives to Bulleit

Bulleit Bourbon: Rye Spice & Sweet Harmony in a Glass

Nose: Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, almond
Palate: Rye spice, caramel, dried fruit, nuts
Finish: Long, caramel, rye spice
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
Similar to: Eagle Rare

Bulleit Bourbon ignites your senses with a burst of lively rye spice. Imagine peppery notes mingling with hints of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, creating a warm and inviting aroma.

Dive into the first sip, and prepare for a bold awakening. The high rye content delivers a satisfying spice that dances across your palate. But wait, there’s more! Soon, delicate notes of dried fruit and a touch of nuttiness join the party, adding depth and complexity.

The finish lingers with a pleasant warmth, where oak and spice play in perfect harmony. And as the curtain closes, a gentle sweetness emerges, leaving you wanting more.

What makes it good? Bulleit Bourbon finds the sweet spot between rye’s spice and bourbon’s smoothness. It’s perfect for those who want a moderate rye kick without going overboard.

Versatility is its middle name. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Whiskey Sours. In any form, Bulleit Bourbon adds a layer of complexity and character to your drink.

Ready to explore the spicy and sweet world of Bulleit Bourbon? Take a sip and rediscover the magic of rye!

Old Forester 86: A Budget-Friendly Sipper with Sweet Twists

Nose: Brown sugar, caramel, ethanol
Palate: Vanilla, banana, oak, spice
Finish: Caramel, oak
Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
Similar to: Maker’s Mark

Old Forester 86 greets your nose with a burst of brown sugar and caramel, but there’s a whiff of alcohol at first that fades quickly. On the palate, it delivers a decent body and smooth texture. Imagine vanilla and banana dancing with cinnamon, all balanced by a touch of oaky spice.

The finish is short and sweet, with lingering notes of caramel and oak. While not bold, it packs a gentle warmth for a satisfying end.

Is it good? Absolutely! For the price, Old Forester 86 punches above its weight. It’s enjoyable neat or on the rocks, and its 86 proof makes it a solid choice for affordable cocktails. It even outshines budget staples like Jim Beam or Jack Daniel’s in terms of taste.

But here’s the thing: The initial ethanol aroma might catch you off guard. However, if you can look past that, you’ll find a pleasant and approachable whiskey that won’t break the bank.

Old Forester 86 Facts:

Aged around 4 years
72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley mash bill
First bottled bourbon in sealed glass for quality control
Launched in 1870, named after a bourbon-loving doctor!

Ready to explore a budget-friendly bourbon with a sweet side? Give Old Forester 86 a try. Just be prepared for that initial burst of ethanol and you’ll be rewarded with a smooth and satisfying sip.