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Buffalo Trace vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
On paper Buffalo Trace and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$28 – $35 vs. ~$55 – $65) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$29 less | ~$55 – $65 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Buffalo Trace
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/7 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
heat 4/4 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- Buffalo Trace: The reference-point Kentucky bourbon: balanced brown sugar and vanilla sweetness, a whisper of mint, and just enough oak and spice to keep it interesting. Nothing is loud, which is exactly the point at 90 proof.
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old: The older, drier sibling of Jefferson's Very Small Batch. Buttery toffee and dried fruit sit on a firm, slightly smoky oak backbone, and the finish turns peppery and long.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Buffalo Trace if you want the balanced, everyday Kentucky benchmark that does nothing wrong at a fair price.
- Go with Jefferson's Reserve Very Old if you want a mature, oak-driven blend with dried fruit and a dry, peppery finish at an easy proof without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).