Old Forester 86 Proof 1.75L

Old Forester 86 Proof 1.75L is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 43% ABV in a large-format 1.75-liter size. Recognized with a 95-point rating from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2017) and Gold medals at both the International Spirits Challenge and San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this expression carries a legacy unmatched in American whiskey — Old Forester has been sold continuously since 1870, making it the longest-running bourbon brand on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43% (86 Proof)  |  Origin: Louisville, Kentucky, USA  |  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (NAS)  |  Distillery: Brown-Forman, Shively

Production & Heritage

Old Forester was created in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, who made history by selling bourbon exclusively in sealed glass bottles — an innovation designed to prevent adulteration and substitution, which was rampant at the time. Today the bourbon is produced at Brown-Forman's Shively distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, using a mashbill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. Every barrel receives a deep #4 char on air-seasoned American oak, which contributes significant caramel and vanilla character while allowing the rye spice to develop fully during maturation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with spearmint and toffee, quickly followed by vanilla, hazelnut, and a distinct floral sweetness. Deeper inhalation reveals rich tobacco leaf, cedar, and a subtle hint of fresh mint that keeps things lively.

Taste: The entry is sharp and sweet before softening into a layered mid-palate of honey, vanilla, and caramel — hallmarks of that #4 char barrel influence. As it develops, light orange peel and red berry notes emerge alongside warming cinnamon and rye spice, adding genuine complexity to a bourbon at this proof point.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, gently warming fade of oak, baking spice, and lingering vanilla. A trace of tobacco and cedar rounds out the close, leaving a dry but balanced impression.

How to Drink Old Forester 86

At 86 proof, this bourbon drinks comfortably neat or with a single large ice cube, which opens up the floral and citrus notes without diluting the barrel character. Its balance of sweetness and spice also makes it a workhorse in classic cocktails:

• Old Fashioned — The vanilla and caramel backbone stands up beautifully to bitters and a sugar cube without becoming one-dimensional.
• Whiskey Sour — The natural citrus and berry notes in the bourbon complement fresh lemon juice, creating a cohesive flavor rather than a clash between spirit and mixer.
• Mint Julep — The inherent spearmint character on the nose makes Old Forester 86 a historically appropriate and flavor-matched choice for this Louisville classic.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar with a reliable everyday bourbon in a value-friendly large format
• Hosting cocktail nights or gatherings where volume and consistency matter
• Introducing a friend to Kentucky straight bourbon with an approachable 86-proof expression
• Exploring the heritage of America's oldest continuously sold bourbon brand

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Forester 86 taste like? Old Forester 86 Proof delivers a classic bourbon profile anchored by vanilla, honey, and caramel, with supporting layers of rye spice, light citrus, and a hint of red berry. The finish is medium-length, clean, and gently warming with oak and baking spice.

How does Old Forester 86 compare to Jack Daniel's Old No. 7? Both sit in a similar price tier and are produced by Brown-Forman, but Old Forester 86 is a Kentucky straight bourbon while Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 is a Tennessee whiskey that undergoes charcoal mellowing (the Lincoln County Process). Old Forester generally delivers more pronounced rye spice and barrel character, while Jack Daniel's leans toward a softer, banana-and-caramel sweetness.

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 an Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Mint Julep without breaking the budget.

Where is Old Forester 86 made? Old Forester 86 Proof is distilled at Brown-Forman's Shively distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. The brand has been rooted in Louisville since George Garvin Brown founded the company in 1870.

What foods pair well with Old Forester 86? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the bourbon's caramel and oak mirror the smoke and char of barbecue. Dark chocolate truffles highlight the vanilla and toffee notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère cheese matches the barrel spice. Pecan pie echoes the nutty, sweet character. Grilled stone fruit like peaches amplifies the subtle citrus and berry undertones.

What sizes does Old Forester 86 come in? Old Forester 86 Proof is commonly available in 750ml, 1L, and this 1.75L large-format bottle, making it one of the more accessible bourbons across multiple size options.

Is Old Forester 86 worth the price? Old Forester 86 Proof positions as an entry-level Kentucky straight bourbon that consistently punches above its price tier — the 95-point Ultimate Spirits Challenge rating and multiple Gold medals attest to a quality level that outperforms many bourbons at twice the cost, especially in the 1.75L format.

Why Old Forester 86?

Few bourbons at any price can claim 150-plus years of unbroken production history, and none can claim to have pioneered the sealed-bottle standard that transformed the American whiskey industry. Old Forester 86 Proof is not simply a legacy product coasting on heritage — the 95-point Ultimate Spirits Challenge score and Gold medals from the International Spirits Challenge and San Francisco World Spirits Competition confirm that the liquid inside still earns serious critical recognition. The 72/18/10 mashbill delivers a balanced interplay of corn sweetness and rye spice that works equally well neat or in cocktails, and the 1.75L format makes it a practical choice for anyone who relies on a dependable bourbon day to day. In a crowded field of budget bourbons, Old Forester 86 remains a benchmark.