Compare
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Wild Turkey 101
Comparing Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Wild Turkey 101 reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Wild Turkey 101 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +11 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$25 – $30 ~$33 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.
Wild Turkey 101
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Wild Turkey 101
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/8 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 8 out of 10
fruit 6/4 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 4 out of 10
heat 4/6 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 6 out of 10
oak 7/7 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line 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.
- Wild Turkey 101: The workhorse high-rye Kentucky bourbon and one of the best proof-to-price ratios anywhere. Vanilla and orange up front, then a genuinely spicy, peppery, tobacco-tinged middle that punches well above $25.
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 Wild Turkey 101 if you want bold rye spice and real proof at the lowest price of anything comparable.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Wild Turkey 101).