Compare
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Put Old Forester 1870 Original Batch next to Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a blender-built, corn-forward bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 1870 Original Batch | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 ~$10 less | ~$55 – $65 |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old does 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
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 5/7 oak: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 7 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
heat 3/4 heat: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 2 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Old Forester 1870 Original Batch: The first bottle in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series, recreating the founder's habit of blending barrels from three warehouses. It is the lightest of the series, caramel sweet and easy.
- 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 Old Forester 1870 Original Batch if you want the gentlest, most easygoing pour in the Whiskey Row Series at a slightly lower price point.
- 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, highball (Old Forester 1870 Original Batch); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).