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Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Buffalo Trace
On paper Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Buffalo Trace are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$55 – $65 vs. ~$28 – $35) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Buffalo Trace |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$28 – $35 ~$29 less |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Buffalo Trace do not publish an official mash bill.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 Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Buffalo Trace
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Buffalo Trace
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 7/6 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10
heat 4/4 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Buffalo Trace 4 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 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.
- Buffalo Trace: The reference-point Kentucky bourbon: balanced brown sugar and vanilla sweetness, a whisper of mint, and just enough oak and spice to keep it interesting. Nothing is loud, which is exactly the point at 90 proof.
Which One Should You Choose?
- 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 without hunting for it.
- Go with Buffalo Trace if you want the balanced, everyday Kentucky benchmark that does nothing wrong at a fair price.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace).