Hello again. I like to start my posts every week asking the same question, what is my favorite Whiskey and I almost always talk about Bourbon.
I decided to expand my horizons and make this blog about to my favorite Whisk(e)y. As you may know, all Bourbon is Whiskey, but not all Whiskey is Bourbon. The distinction of the name Bourbon comes with a certain set of rules, as does other designations like Irish Whiskey, Canadian Whiskey, Japanese Whisky (without the e) or Scotch Whisky (without the e). Bourbon Whiskey must be made in the US, distilled from at least 51% corn, be aged in new charred-oak barrels at no more than 125 proof, distilled at no more than 160 proof, aged for a minimum of two years, and free from additives. I go into detail on the differences among these types in a previous post.
One day on my Bourbon hunt near Thomas Circle, Washington DC – North West, I stopped into a local liquor store. It was my lucky day. I was perusing the stores content when a local distributer and representative of a distiller walked into to showcase their wares to the store proprietor. The owner was busy and not paying them much attention, but I was tuned in and they soon noticed. They asked the store owner if he was interested in tasting a set of bourbons in hope the store’s proprietor would carry their bourbon in-store. I told them I was interested in trying them all and they confirmed with the owner that his license allowed for me to partake. The owner didn’t even blink and allowed me to do it for him. I got a history lesson along with a tasting of 12 different bourbons, including the full Rabbit Hole and Jefferson’s lineups. In most tastings you tend to get the mixer bourbons on up to the better sippers. No exception on this day.
Among my favorites of the day was the Rabbit Hole Dareringer a wheated bourbon which is then finished in Sherry Casks 68% corn, 18% wheat, and 14% Barley mashbill – which is excellent BTW, and splash of Jefferson’s Ocean Voyage 23 (not 25 btw) a small batch blended bourbon whiskey. Splash – see what I did there?
From Jefferson, there is whole line of Voyages that have some distinctive features like Voyages 7 and 10 are cask strength versions and my favorites, the wheated mashbill versions. Jefferson is a non-distiller producer (NDP), meaning they don’t do the full service side of a distillery, but source the “juice” (distillate) from MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, which has since been rebranded. I don’t hold this against them as MGP, by many accounts, makes some of the best Bourbon on the planet. I saw Jefferson described in a review as “good chefs” that use their ingredients (sourced bourbon) to make something better than the sum of its parts. I have to admire a blender’s skills in this case so I give them a pass this time- seems good enough for me.
The Ocean’s voyage 23 a $79 bottle consisting of a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys is 45% ABV with a Nose that is delicate and floral with hints of caramel, mint, and fruit. The Palate is mint, baking spice, fruit, caramel, and vanilla and a Finish of Gentle and medium length. Notes of cinnamon, fruit, and eucalyptus. A bit overpriced but solid contender.
Back to the story, while in the store I told the owner I preferred these two (Rabbit Hole and Ocean 23) over the rest. The vendor looked on the shelf and saw there were two bottles of Ocean Voyage 19, a known fan favorite that he said he had people dying to get their hand on, as this was thought of to be the best of the voyages by many reviews. He grabbed them for himself, but after drinking 12 samples on an empty stomach I was bold enough to asked if I could have one of them and in return I would buy a 23 as well. He obliged me and told me to drink the 23 and sparingly drink or save the 19. I drank the 23 and it was good, but far from the best I have ever had.
Then one day it happened, Jefferson’s put Voyage 25 on the shelf with the Special Wheated Mashbill designation and a straight non-blended version. I tried it and was hooked, and have grabbed up multiple bottles for myself and they went fast as they are no longer available to purchase in almost all locations. (Note: Voyages 15 and 22 were also wheated).
Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea is fully matured at least four years, then placed in rickhouses on ships to travel the globe, which hyper-ages the bourbon.
Teamed with OCEARCH Jefferson’s Bourbon put their bourbon on an ocean-going vessel and then send around the world for a bit. Each ship has a separate voyage based upon the research being conducted by OCEARCH. OCEARCH generates critical scientific data related to tracking (telemetry) and biological studies of keystone marine species such as great white and tiger sharks, in conjunction with conservation outreach and education at a measurable global scale.
Jefferson’s Bourbon has an excerpt of the CAPTIN’S LOG on its website detailing each voyage from its departure in Savannah to its return home.
The constant agitation, weather conditions, and salt air impart a flavor like no other bourbon on the market. An overview of each voyage is communicated on the bottle neck, giving insight into the journey and how the bourbon was affected.
From information online, this bourbon started out as an experiment, with just three bourbon barrels on OCEARCH’s ship, in a curious effort to discover what would happen if bourbon was left to weather the extreme elements: temperature fluctuations, salt air, and the gentle rocking of the ship. The result was a thick, dark bourbon that showcases complex flavors reminiscent of other spirits. The almost black color and caramel flavors resemble a dark rum, as the sugars within the barrels caramelized. The briny, savory taste from the barrels breathing the sea air is reminiscent of Islay Scotch, and at its core, it’s a true bourbon. Due to a massive demand from consumers, Jefferson’s founder and Master Blender Trey Zoeller has now commercialized this experiment and sent hundreds of barrels around the world. Each voyage of Jefferson’s Ocean typically crosses the equator four times, and visits multiple continents and more than 25 ports on an average sailing
Produced by: MGP (assumed)
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Jefferson’s Bourbon
Region: Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Kentucky, USA
Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
Age: No Age Statement
Mashbill: Undisclosed (MGP “Wheated” Mashbill)
Color: Honey Copper
Price: ~$99 (2022)
THE NOSE
The nose is alive with caramels and butterscotch with a hint of dried cherry, wild grains, and sea spray.
THE PALATE
The small grain of wheat delivers more of a corn sweetness and vanilla with a flavor profile that is rich with classic Bourbon notes of sea-salt caramel, vanilla, and brown sugar with just a touch of autumn fruits and dried apricot. In addition with dominant vanilla and notes of salted caramel corn, followed by dried fruit and a touch of brine.
THE FINISH
It all culminates in a smooth and subtle woody finish with caramel and minty undertones. Medium-long and filled with warm caramel, wood, salt and vanilla sweetness mixed with cream and toast in what is easily the most unique finish I’ve had in a bourbon.
