Compare
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Four Roses Bourbon
Comparing Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Four Roses Bourbon reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Four Roses Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) +10 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$22 – $28 ~$35 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.
Four Roses Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Four Roses Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 7/3 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10
heat 4/2 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 5 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 3 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.
- Four Roses Bourbon: The yellow label entry point, blending all ten Four Roses recipes at a gentle 80 proof. Light and fruity to a fault, but the house floral character is already recognisable and it mixes beautifully.
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 Four Roses Bourbon if you want the Four Roses fruit-and-floral signature at its lightest and cheapest.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); cocktails, highball, rocks (Four Roses Bourbon).