Compare
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Evan Williams Black Label
On paper Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Evan Williams Black Label are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$55 – $65 vs. ~$14 – $18) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Evan Williams Black Label |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +4 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$14 – $18 ~$44 less |
- 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.
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Evan Williams Black Label
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 7/5 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10
fruit 6/4 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Evan Williams Black Label: The everyday black label, and a perfectly competent well bourbon. Softer and sweeter than the bonded version, with less to say but nothing objectionable.
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.
- Go with Evan Williams Black Label if you want a dependable, inexpensive mixing bourbon and nothing more complicated than that at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label).