Compare
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
On paper Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$85 – $100 vs. ~$55 – $65) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$85 – $100 | ~$55 – $65 ~$33 less |
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old do not publish an official mash bill.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
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
fruit 8/6 fruit: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
nuttiness 5/3 nuttiness: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon: Finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Cognac casks. The casks layer dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate over the bourbon and leave a long, clove-spiced finish.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate with slightly more proof behind it.
- 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 at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).