Compare
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Put Jefferson's Reserve Very Old next to Old Forester 1870 Original Batch and you have a sourced, corn-forward blend set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Old Forester 1870 Original Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$45 – $55 ~$10 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.
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 7/5 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 7 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 4 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 2 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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 Forester 1870 Original Batch: The first bottle in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series, recreating the founder's habit of blending barrels from three warehouses. It is the lightest of the series, caramel sweet and easy.
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 Old Forester 1870 Original Batch if you want the gentlest, most easygoing pour in the Whiskey Row Series at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat, rocks, highball (Old Forester 1870 Original Batch).