Compare
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Uncle Nearest 1856
On paper Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Uncle Nearest 1856 are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so proof (90.2 vs. 100) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Uncle Nearest 1856 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Tennessee Whiskey |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$55 – $70 |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Uncle Nearest 1856 do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Uncle Nearest 1856
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Uncle Nearest 1856
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 7 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 5 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 4 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 5 out of 10
oak 7/7 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Uncle Nearest 1856 7 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- 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.
- Uncle Nearest 1856: Named for Nathan 'Nearest' Green, the enslaved distiller who taught Jack Daniel, and now backed by the brand's own distillery in Shelbyville. Sweet and maple-leaning with the charcoal-mellowed softness of the style.
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 Uncle Nearest 1856 if you want a sweet, maple-forward Tennessee whiskey with a story worth knowing behind it with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Uncle Nearest 1856).