Compare
Jack Daniel’s 12 Year vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
On paper Jack Daniel’s 12 Year and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old are near neighbours — both traditional Tennessee whiskeys — so price (~$80 – $120 vs. ~$55 – $65) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jack Daniel’s 12 Year | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Tennessee Whiskey | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 80% corn, 8% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 12 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 107 proof (53.5% ABV) +17 proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$80 – $120 | ~$55 – $65 ~$40 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- 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
Jack Daniel’s 12 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jack Daniel’s 12 Year Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 8 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
heat 6/4 heat: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
oak 8/7 oak: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 8 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- Jack Daniel’s 12 Year: Twelve-year Jack Daniel's at 107 proof. Sweet and creamy, with butterscotch, pipe tobacco and seasoned oak.
- 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 Jack Daniel’s 12 Year if you want a sweet, creamy, well-aged Jack Daniel's with pipe tobacco and oak with more proof behind it.
- 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, rocks (Jack Daniel’s 12 Year); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).