Old Forester holds a genuinely special place in American whiskey history. It was the first bourbon ever sold exclusively in sealed bottles — a move by George Garvin Brown back in 1870 to guarantee consistency at a time when most whiskey was ladled out of barrels at the local store. That commitment to quality control wasn't just marketing; it changed how bourbon was sold in the United States. And the 86-proof Kentucky Straight expression sitting in front of me is the direct descendant of that original bottling.
At 43% ABV with no age statement, this is Old Forester's foundation product — the one that introduces most people to the brand. It's a bourbon built on Brown-Forman's proprietary yeast strain, one of the few major producers that still cultivates their own. That matters more than people think. Yeast drives fermentation character, and it's a big part of why Old Forester has a flavour profile that's distinctly its own rather than tasting like a generic bourbon.
What I appreciate about the 86-proof is that it doesn't try to be something it isn't. This is an everyday bourbon at an everyday price point, and it owns that. The mashbill leans grain-forward with a good dose of rye in the mix, which gives it more spine than you'd expect from something at this ABV. It's not a barrel-proof bruiser, and it's not trying to compete with the allocated stuff people queue up for. It's the bottle you keep on your counter and actually use.
Tasting Notes
I won't fabricate specific tasting notes I don't have in front of me, but I can tell you what to expect from this style. Old Forester 86 sits squarely in the classic bourbon wheelhouse — expect caramel sweetness, some baking spice from that rye component, and a warmth that's approachable without being thin. The 43% ABV is a sweet spot for easy drinking; it's got enough proof to carry flavour without burning on the way down. Brown-Forman's house character tends toward fruit and spice rather than heavy oak, so if you're coming from something like a wheated bourbon, you'll notice a bit more kick here.
The Verdict
At £26.25, Old Forester 86 is genuinely hard to argue with. This is one of the best value propositions in bourbon right now. You're getting a product from a heritage distillery with over 150 years of continuous production, bottled at a sensible proof, for less than most people spend on a weeknight dinner. Is it the most complex bourbon I've ever tasted? No. But complexity isn't always the point. Sometimes you want something reliable, well-made, and honest — and Old Forester 86 delivers all three. I'd take this over plenty of bourbons at twice the price. A 7.5 out of 10 feels right: this is a solid, dependable pour that earns its spot on any home bar.
Best Served
This is a cocktail bourbon through and through. Old Forester 86 was practically built for an Old Fashioned — the proof is high enough to stand up to dilution from the ice, and the flavour profile plays beautifully with a sugar cube and a few dashes of Angostura. It's also brilliant in a Whiskey Sour, where that rye spice cuts through the citrus and simple syrup without getting lost. Neat or on a single rock works fine for a casual evening pour, but honestly, this bottle shines hardest when it's working for a living in a mixing glass.
