Compare
Four Roses Bourbon vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Comparing Four Roses Bourbon and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Four Roses Bourbon | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$35 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
Four Roses Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Four Roses Bourbon Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 3/7 oak: Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
heat 2/4 heat: Four Roses Bourbon 2 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Four Roses Bourbon 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Four Roses Bourbon: The yellow label entry point, blending all ten Four Roses recipes at a gentle 80 proof. Light and fruity to a fault, but the house floral character is already recognisable and it mixes beautifully.
- 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 Four Roses Bourbon if you want the Four Roses fruit-and-floral signature at its lightest and cheapest.
- 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 (Four Roses Bourbon); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).