Compare
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Comparing Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$85 – $100 ~$443 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 8/5 fruit: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
nuttiness 5/3 nuttiness: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
sweetness 8/8 sweetness: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- 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.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
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 at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).