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Jefferson’s Very Small Batch vs Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
Comparing Jefferson’s Very Small Batch and Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 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 15 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 15 years |
| Proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) | 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV) +35 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $36 ~$293 less | ~$250 – $400 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch and Russell’s Reserve 15 Year do not publish an official mash bill.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 15 Year
One of my favorites.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 4/9 oak: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 9 out of 10
heat 2/7 heat: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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 15 Year: The oldest regular Russell's Reserve, at barrel proof. Fifteen years in Camp Nelson rickhouses push it toward old oak, leather and dried fruit over the usual Turkey spice.
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 15 Year if you want a very old, oak-heavy Wild Turkey for slow sipping with significantly more proof behind it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch); neat (Russell’s Reserve 15 Year).