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Evan Williams Black Label vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
On paper Evan Williams Black Label and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$14 – $18 vs. ~$55 – $65) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | 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 | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$44 less | ~$55 – $65 |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old does 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
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 5/7 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
heat 3/4 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Evan Williams Black Label: The everyday black label, and a perfectly competent well bourbon. Softer and sweeter than the bonded version, with less to say but nothing objectionable.
- 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 Evan Williams Black Label if you want a dependable, inexpensive mixing bourbon and nothing more complicated than that at a significantly lower price point.
- 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.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).