Compare
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Comparing Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +40 proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$55 – $65 ~$78 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old do not publish an official mash bill.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
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/4 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
oak 8/7 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof: E.H. Taylor straight from the barrel. Very hot and nutty, with toasted pecan, dark sugar and heavy oak; the proof changes with each batch.
- 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 Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon.
- 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 significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).