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Johnny Drum Private Stock vs Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Comparing Johnny Drum Private Stock and Jefferson’s Very Small Batch is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (101 vs. 82.3).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Johnny Drum Private Stock | Jefferson’s Very Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +19 proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$35 – $45 | ~$28 – $36 ~$8 less |
- Johnny Drum Private Stock and Jefferson’s Very Small Batch do not publish an official mash bill.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
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Johnny Drum Private Stock Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/2 heat: Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch: A blend of sourced barrels bottled at a very gentle 82.3 proof. Easy and inoffensive, but thin enough that it is hard to recommend over bonded bottles costing less.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character.
- Go with Jefferson’s Very Small Batch if you want an especially soft, low-proof pour and gentleness matters more than intensity at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock); rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch).