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Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Comparing Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Maker’s Mark Cask Strength reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and an uncut, wheated heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Maker’s Mark Cask Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) | 110 proof (55% ABV) +20 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$40 – $50 ~$15 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.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/9 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 9 out of 10
heat 4/7 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 7 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10
oak 7/5 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 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.
- Maker’s Mark Cask Strength: Undiluted Maker's, and the version that finally gives the wheated recipe some weight. Dense caramel and honey with real warmth, and one of the more affordable cask-strength bottles anywhere.
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 Maker’s Mark Cask Strength if you want wheated sweetness at full strength for well under what most cask-strength bourbons cost.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat, rocks (Maker’s Mark Cask Strength).