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- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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