Compare
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Put Jefferson’s Very Small Batch next to Old Forester 86 Proof and you have a sourced, corn-forward blend set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson’s Very Small Batch | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) | 86 proof (43% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $36 | ~$20 – $26 ~$9 less |
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 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
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/5 spice: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
oak 4/4 oak: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 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.
- Old Forester 86 Proof: The entry bottling and the cheapest way to meet the Old Forester banana-and-caramel signature. Thin at 86 proof, but it costs very little and mixes well.
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 Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
Best enjoyed rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).