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Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Eagle Rare 12 Year
On paper Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Eagle Rare 12 Year are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so proof (90.2 vs. 95) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Eagle Rare 12 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) +5 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 ~$5 less | ~$50 – $80 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Eagle Rare 12 Year do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Eagle Rare 12 Year
Top 3, behind George T. Stagg and Jack Daniel's 14.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Eagle Rare 12 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Eagle Rare 12 Year 7 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Eagle Rare 12 Year 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Eagle Rare 12 Year 4 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Eagle Rare 12 Year 5 out of 10
oak 7/7 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Eagle Rare 12 Year 7 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Eagle Rare 12 Year 6 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.
- Eagle Rare 12 Year: Two more years and five more proof points than Eagle Rare 10. Brown sugar and toffee lead, with a drier, more astringent oak finish.
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 slightly lower price point.
- Go with Eagle Rare 12 Year if you want an older, richer step up from Eagle Rare 10 with more brown sugar and oak.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat, rocks (Eagle Rare 12 Year).