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Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Johnny Drum Private Stock
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Johnny Drum Private Stock are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is proof (90.2 vs. 101).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Johnny Drum Private Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +11 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$35 – $45 ~$20 less |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Johnny Drum Private Stock do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Johnny Drum Private Stock
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 7/5 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating here.
- 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.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
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 Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock).