Compare
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Michter's US*1 Small Batch are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$55 – $65 vs. ~$45 – $55).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Michter's US*1 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$45 – $55 ~$10 less |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Michter's US*1 Small Batch do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 7/5 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 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.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
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 Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch).