Compare
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Comparing Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| 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) | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +40 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 ~$78 less | ~$75 – $200 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/9 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 6/4 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
oak 7/8 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof: E.H. Taylor straight from the barrel. Very hot and nutty, with toasted pecan, dark sugar and heavy oak; the proof changes with each batch.
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 significantly lower price point.
- Go with Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof).