🥃 Crow 86
Old Crow family expression since 2024: Kentucky straight bourbon, three years of aging, 86 proof (43% ABV).
Crow 86 is an expression from the Old Crow family, launched in 2024. It is a Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 86 proof, that is 43% ABV. The word “Old” was deliberately dropped from the name: according to Bourbon Culture, the back label states three years of aging, so the whiskey is young and cannot be called “old”.
The number 86 refers to the brand's history: according to Bourbon Culture, around 1954 Old Crow was lowered from 100 to 86 proof, and in 1974 to 80 proof. The producer is Suntory Global Spirits, which also owns Jim Beam. The mash bill has not been officially published; as with any bourbon, corn makes up at least 51% of the mash, and the whiskey matures in new charred oak barrels.
Why this matters to you. Compared with Old Crow Bourbon it has the same age but is 3 points stronger. Sellers include Crow 86 in the Old Crow family; on the label look for the number 86 and the Kentucky Straight Bourbon designation, because the discontinued Old Crow Reserve also had 86 proof in the past. The WHO reminds us: there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Facts
| Alcohol (% vol.) | 43% ABV (86 proof) |
|---|---|
| Minimum maturation | 3 years per the back label (for straight bourbon the law requires at least 2) |
| Year founded | 2024 (year of release) |
| Raw material | corn (at least 51% of the mash); exact recipe not published |
| Cask type | new charred oak barrels (a bourbon requirement) |
| EU category | 2 — whisky/whiskey |
| Legal basis | 27 CFR § 5.143 (USA): bourbon whisky; straight — at least 2 years |
How it connects to Spirits
Links
- Packed in
- 🍷 Oak barrel
- Made from
- 🥃 Rye and corn in whisky
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Part of
- 🥃 Old Crow, 🥃 Bourbon whiskey, 🥃 Whisky
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Old Crow Bourbon, 🥃 Old Crow Bourbon
Frequently asked questions
Is Crow 86 a separate brand rather than Old Crow?
No. It is an expression of the Old Crow family: the word “Old” was dropped only because the whiskey is three years old.
What is the strength of Crow 86?
86 proof, that is 43% ABV, according to the label and seller descriptions.
Why exactly 86?
It is a reference to history: around 1954 Old Crow was bottled at 86 proof, until it was lowered to 80 proof in 1974.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🥃 Rye and corn in whisky — Grain in the name of American whiskey: bourbon is at least 51% corn, rye at least 51% rye, corn whiskey at least 80% corn.
- 🍷 Drunk driving — Never drive after drinking wine: alcohol slows your reactions.
Similar
🥃 Old Crow Bourbon · 🥃 Evan Williams Black Label · 🥃 Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch · 🥃 Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond · 🥃 Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage · 🥃 Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Bourbon Culture: Jim Beam leaks the final piece to their revival plan for the Olds by introducing Crow 86 (11.07.2024; 86 proof; back label 'Aged for 3 years'; 'Old' dropped; Old Crow Reserve 2010, discontinued; proof history 100 → 86 c. 1954 → 80 in 1974)
- Market View Liquor: Crow Bourbon 86, 1 l (brand Crow 86, 'Old Crow Family'; Kentucky Straight Bourbon; 86 proof, 43 % ABV)
- Badger Liquor (distributor): Old Crow 86 Proof Bourbon (86 proof; sour mash, named for Dr. James C. Crow)
- 27 CFR § 5.143 Standards of identity for whisky (bourbon: mash min. 51 % corn, charred new oak; straight: min. 2 years), text via Cornell LII
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)