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Jefferson’s Very Small Batch vs Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Comparing Jefferson’s Very Small Batch and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson’s Very Small Batch | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 13 years |
| Proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +42 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $36 ~$218 less | ~$200 – $300 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/8 heat: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
oak 4/8 oak: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof: Thirteen-year Wild Turkey at full barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Cola, molasses and fruit cobbler sit on deep, charred oak, and each release carries its own proof.
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 significantly lower price point.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch); neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof).