Compare
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Jim Beam Black
Comparing Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Jim Beam Black reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) +4 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$22 – $28 ~$35 less |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 6/3 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- 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.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
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 Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).