Last Updated on: 30th April 2024, 01:16 am
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 everything about the Old Forester 86 Bourbon in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Old Forester 86: The Reliable Workhorse Bourbon (Great Value for Mixing & Everyday Sipping)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Old Forester 86 strikes a strong balance between affordability and quality, making it a fantastic choice for many bourbon drinkers. Here’s what makes it stand out:
Strengths:
- Smooth & Easy-Drinking: This expression boasts a smooth profile that’s easy to enjoy, making it a solid choice for casual sipping or mixing in cocktails.
- Great Value: Old Forester 86 punches above its weight class in terms of price and quality. It outperforms other bourbons in a similar price range.
- Cocktail Champion: The slightly higher proof (86) makes it a perfect base for affordable yet flavorful cocktails.
- No Harsh Flavors: Unlike some cheaper bourbons, Old Forester 86 avoids any unpleasant or off-putting flavors, like nail polish notes.
- Exceeds Expectations: This bourbon delivers more quality than its price tag suggests, making it a pleasant surprise for many.
Considerations:
- Not the Most Complex: While enjoyable to sip, Old Forester 86 might not offer the most complex flavor profile for those seeking a truly unique sipping experience.
Verdict:
Old Forester 86 is a fantastic value bourbon. It’s a reliable and smooth sipper that excels in cocktails. The lack of harsh flavors and competitive price point make it a great choice for everyday enjoyment or those looking for a solid base for mixed drinks. It delivers quality that exceeds expectations, making it a great buy for the money, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Top Old Forester Whiskeys
- Learn more: Old Forester 86 Website
What is unique about the Old Forester 86?
Old Forester 86 is the introductory offering from this brand, notable for its bottling at 86 proof (43% ABV), which sets it apart from many other bourbons in this price range that are typically bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).
Tasting Notes
- 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: Buffalo Trace
- Price. $20-$25
The nose hits with an ethanol note at first sniff that swiftly transitions into brown sugar and caramel sweetness.
When tasted, this bourbon exhibits a moderate body providing a decent mouthfeel.
The flavor profile is smooth and slightly earthy, featuring hints of vanilla, banana, cinnamon, and a subtle touch of charred oak spice that adds a bitter element.
The finish is relatively short, offering notes of caramel and oak with minimal to no warmth.
FAQ
A quick FAQ to address your doubts:
How to drink it?
- Neat or on the rocks
- Can be used in cocktails for added flavor
Mash bill
- 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Age
- No age statement, but aged for around 4 years
Is it chill-filtered?
- Yes, it is chill-filtered
Alternatives
- Buffalo Trace
- Old Forester 100
Price
- Drizly: $24
- Total Wine: $20
Alcohol content
- 86 proof (43% ABV)
Does it expire?
- It will last for years when stored properly, away from sunlight.
- Drink it sooner once the content is down to 25% to avoid awkward notes.
How is it made?
- Old Forester is the first bottled bourbon.
- Made from a mash of corn, rye, and malted barley.
- Fermented for five to seven days with a proprietary yeast strain.
- Twice distilled and matured in new, American oak casks for around 4 years.
How did I review Old Forester 86?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Old Forester 86: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Bourbon |
| Age statement | 4 years |
| Proof | 86 |
| ABV | 43% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Yes |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | Yes |
| Good for cocktails? | Yes |
| Good with Coke? | Yes |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |