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Willett Pot Still Reserve vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Willett Pot Still Reserve and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is proof (94 vs. 90.2).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Willett Pot Still Reserve | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) +4 proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $60 ~$8 less | ~$55 – $65 |
- Willett Pot Still Reserve and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old do not publish an official mash bill.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
Willett Pot Still Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Willett Pot Still Reserve Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Willett Pot Still Reserve 7 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Willett Pot Still Reserve 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
heat 4/4 heat: Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- Willett Pot Still Reserve: Famous first for the pot-still-shaped decanter and second for the whiskey, which is a fair ordering. Pleasant, sweet and fruit-leaning, with a good deal of the price attached to the glass.
- 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 Willett Pot Still Reserve if you want a distinctive bottle on the shelf and an easy, fruit-forward pour inside it 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 (Willett Pot Still Reserve); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).