Compare
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch vs Johnny Drum Private Stock
Comparing Jefferson’s Very Small Batch and Johnny Drum Private Stock is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (82.3 vs. 101).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson’s Very Small Batch | Johnny Drum Private Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +19 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $36 ~$8 less | ~$35 – $45 |
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch and Johnny Drum Private Stock do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch Johnny Drum Private Stock
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/5 heat: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
oak 4/5 oak: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
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 at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character.
Best enjoyed rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock).