Compare
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Put Jefferson's Reserve Very Old next to Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond and you have a sourced, corn-forward blend set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 9 years |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 ~$85 less | ~$110 – $180 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- 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.
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/2 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 8 out of 10
oak 7/7 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10
heat 4/4 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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.
- Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond: The decanter series, released twice a year at varying ages, and Heaven Hill's most serious wheated statement. Age shows as polished oak and stewed fruit rather than tannin, but you pay handsomely for the bottle.
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 Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond if you want an aged, bonded wheater in a presentation bottle and the price is not the obstacle with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat (Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond).