Compare
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Put Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea next to Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and you have a sourced, corn-forward blend set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $85 ~$458 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- 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.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
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 at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).