Compare
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Charles Goodnight Bourbon
Comparing Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Charles Goodnight Bourbon reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and an uncut, spice-driven heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Charles Goodnight Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 6 years |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +25 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 ~$18 less | ~$75 – $80 |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old does 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.
Charles Goodnight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Charles Goodnight Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/8 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Charles Goodnight Bourbon 8 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Charles Goodnight Bourbon 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Charles Goodnight Bourbon 7 out of 10
oak 7/8 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Charles Goodnight Bourbon 8 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Charles Goodnight Bourbon 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Charles Goodnight Bourbon 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Charles Goodnight Bourbon: A barrel-strength Texas bourbon. The hot Texas climate pulls a lot of oak in six years, giving deep wood, brown sugar and dark fruit with plenty of rye spice.
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 at a lower price point.
- Go with Charles Goodnight Bourbon if you want a bold, oak-heavy Texas bourbon at barrel strength.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat, rocks (Charles Goodnight Bourbon).