Compare
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Comparing Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by price (~$70 – $85 vs. ~$55 – $65).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $85 | ~$55 – $65 ~$18 less |
- Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/5 spice: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
heat 3/4 heat: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 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 Ocean Aged at Sea: Bourbon that spends months rocking in a ship's hold. Each voyage tastes a little different, but expect caramel and dark sugar with a savory, faintly salty edge from the trip.
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old: The older, drier sibling of Jefferson's Very Small Batch. Buttery toffee and dried fruit sit on a firm, slightly smoky oak backbone, and the finish turns peppery and long.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea if you want a conversation-piece bourbon with a savory, slightly briny twist from aging at sea.
- Go with Jefferson's Reserve Very Old if you want a mature, oak-driven blend with dried fruit and a dry, peppery finish at an easy proof at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).