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Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Put Jefferson's Reserve Very Old next to Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and you have a blender-built, corn-forward bottling set against a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Elijah Craig 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 | 12 years |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) | 124 proof (62% ABV) +34 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 ~$25 less | ~$70 – $100 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- 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.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/9 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10
oak 7/9 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
fruit 6/4 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 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.
- Elijah Craig Barrel Proof: The uncut, unfiltered version of the same 12-year Heaven Hill juice, and the intensity is the whole point. Thick fudge and char with cinnamon heat, a genuinely long finish, and enough proof that water meaningfully changes the glass.
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 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof if you want maximum intensity and oak depth, and you want to control the dilution yourself.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof).