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Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Willett Pot Still Reserve
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Willett Pot Still Reserve are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is proof (90.2 vs. 94).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Willett Pot Still Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) | 94 proof (47% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$45 – $60 ~$8 less |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Willett Pot Still Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Willett Pot Still Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Willett Pot Still Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 7 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 5 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 4/4 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 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.
- Willett Pot Still Reserve: Famous first for the pot-still-shaped decanter and second for the whiskey, which is a fair ordering. Pleasant, sweet and fruit-leaning, with a good deal of the price attached to the glass.
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 Willett Pot Still Reserve if you want a distinctive bottle on the shelf and an easy, fruit-forward pour inside it at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat, rocks (Willett Pot Still Reserve).