Compare
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is proof (100 vs. 90.2).
Key Specifications
| Feature | E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch | 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 | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $90 | ~$55 – $65 ~$8 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old do not publish an official mash bill.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
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 5/6 fruit: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
oak 7/7 oak: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 7 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 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.
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch: Bottled-in-bond from the same low-rye Buffalo Trace recipe, and the extra 10 proof over standard BT gives it noticeably more grip. Butterscotch and tobacco with a long, drying finish that outlasts most bottles near its shelf price.
- 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 E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch if you want the Buffalo Trace house profile with real structure and a bonded 100-proof backbone.
- 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 slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).