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Jefferson’s Very Small Batch vs Ancient Age
Put Jefferson’s Very Small Batch next to Ancient Age and you have a blender-built, corn-forward bottling set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson’s Very Small Batch | Ancient Age |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) +2 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $36 | ~$14 – $18 ~$16 less |
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch and Ancient Age do not publish an official mash bill.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
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Ancient Age
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch Ancient Age
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10, Ancient Age 5 out of 10
oak 4/3 oak: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Ancient Age 3 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
heat 2/2 heat: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10, Ancient Age 2 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.
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch: A blend of sourced barrels bottled at a very gentle 82.3 proof. Easy and inoffensive, but thin enough that it is hard to recommend over bonded bottles costing less.
- Ancient Age: The bottom rung of the Buffalo Trace ladder and priced accordingly. Thin and simple at 80 proof, but it is recognisably the Mash Bill #2 recipe and it does its job in a highball without complaint.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jefferson’s Very Small Batch if you want an especially soft, low-proof pour and gentleness matters more than intensity.
- Go with Ancient Age if you want the cheapest honest mixer in the lineup and you are not drinking it neat.
Best enjoyed rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch); cocktails, highball (Ancient Age).