Compare
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Old Forester 86 Proof sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: a sourced, classically built blend versus an old-guard, rye-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +4 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$20 – $26 ~$37 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 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 7/4 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 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 86 Proof: The entry bottling and the cheapest way to meet the Old Forester banana-and-caramel signature. Thin at 86 proof, but it costs very little and mixes well.
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 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).