Compare
Wild Turkey 101 vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Comparing Wild Turkey 101 and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Wild Turkey 101 | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +11 proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$25 – $30 ~$33 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
Wild Turkey 101
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Wild Turkey 101 Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 8/5 spice: Wild Turkey 101 8 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Wild Turkey 101 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
heat 6/4 heat: Wild Turkey 101 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Wild Turkey 101 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
oak 7/7 oak: Wild Turkey 101 7 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Wild Turkey 101 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- Wild Turkey 101: The workhorse high-rye Kentucky bourbon and one of the best proof-to-price ratios anywhere. Vanilla and orange up front, then a genuinely spicy, peppery, tobacco-tinged middle that punches well above $25.
- 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 Wild Turkey 101 if you want bold rye spice and real proof at the lowest price of anything comparable.
- 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, old-fashioned, cocktails (Wild Turkey 101); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).