Compare
Charles Goodnight Bourbon vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Comparing Charles Goodnight Bourbon and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old reveals a matchup between an uncut, spice-driven heavyweight and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Charles Goodnight Bourbon | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 6 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +25 proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $80 | ~$55 – $65 ~$18 less |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Charles Goodnight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Charles Goodnight Bourbon Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 8/4 heat: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
spice 7/5 spice: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 7 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 7 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
oak 8/7 oak: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Charles Goodnight Bourbon: A barrel-strength Texas bourbon. The hot Texas climate pulls a lot of oak in six years, giving deep wood, brown sugar and dark fruit with plenty of rye spice.
- 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 Charles Goodnight Bourbon if you want a bold, oak-heavy Texas bourbon at barrel strength.
- 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 at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Charles Goodnight Bourbon); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).