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Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
On paper Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$55 – $65 vs. ~$85 – $100) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 ~$33 less | ~$85 – $100 |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
fruit 6/8 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
nuttiness 3/5 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- 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.
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon: Finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Cognac casks. The casks layer dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate over the bourbon and leave a long, clove-spiced 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 at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon).