Compare
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Comparing Maker’s Mark Cask Strength and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old reveals a matchup between an uncut, wheated heavyweight and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Maker’s Mark Cask Strength | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 110 proof (55% ABV) +20 proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 ~$15 less | ~$55 – $65 |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 9/6 sweetness: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 9 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
heat 7/4 heat: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 7 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
spice 3/5 spice: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
oak 5/7 oak: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- Maker’s Mark Cask Strength: Undiluted Maker's, and the version that finally gives the wheated recipe some weight. Dense caramel and honey with real warmth, and one of the more affordable cask-strength bottles anywhere.
- 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 Maker’s Mark Cask Strength if you want wheated sweetness at full strength for well under what most cask-strength bourbons cost.
- 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.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Maker’s Mark Cask Strength); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).