Jefferson's Blend Of Straight Bourbon Marian McLain Limited Edition: A Legacy of Grit and Innovation in Every Sip
Discover a remarkable tribute to the audacious spirit of early American whiskey with Jefferson's Blend Of Straight Bourbon Marian McLain Limited Edition. This exceptional release from Jefferson's Bourbon is more than just a whiskey; it's a heartfelt homage to Marian McLain, the eighth-generation grandmother of Jefferson's founder Trey Zoeller, and one of the earliest documented women in American whiskey history. Arrested in 1799 for the "production and sales of spirituous liquors" to support her five children after her husband's death in the Revolutionary War, McLain's resilience and resourcefulness serve as the profound inspiration for this limited edition.
This highly complex and distinguished bourbon is a masterful blend of five distinct straight bourbon whiskeys, each carefully selected to represent a facet of Marian McLain's multifaceted character. The components include:
- 50% 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
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20% 11-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- 11% Wheated Double-Barrel Bourbon
- 11% Rum Cask Finish Bourbon
- 8% 13-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
This intricate blend, bottled at a robust 102 proof (51% ABV), culminates in a bourbon of unparalleled depth, balance, and flavor. The meticulous marriage of these diverse expressions, often receiving a final "marriage" in freshly drained barrels that once held Jefferson's Ocean Aged At Sea, creates a truly unique and memorable sipping experience.
Key Characteristics:
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Tribute to Marian McLain: Honors Jefferson's founder's 8th great-grandmother, a pioneering woman in American whiskey.
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Masterful Five-Whiskey Blend: Combines 15-, 13-, 11-year-old bourbons, a Wheated Double-Barrel, and a Rum Cask Finish for extraordinary complexity.
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Robust Proof (102 / 51% ABV): Bottled at a higher proof to deliver a full-bodied and intense flavor experience.
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Limited Edition Release: A highly sought-after and collectible expression, signifying its rarity and unique craftsmanship.
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Complex & Layered Profile: Designed to unfold with a wide array of flavors, from sweet and fruity to spicy and savory.
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Charitable Initiative: Released in partnership with the Marian McLain Entrepreneurial Fund, supporting aspiring entrepreneurs.
Tasting Notes:
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Appearance: Deep, rich amber with captivating copper highlights.
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Nose: Complex and inviting, with prominent notes of vanilla, caramel, and honey. Layers of toasted oak, cinnamon, and nutmeg intermingle with hints of ripe red fruits (like cherry and raspberry), baked apples, and a subtle tropical or brown sugar essence from the rum cask finish.
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Palate: Full-bodied with a luscious, oily viscosity and a balanced mouthfeel. Flavors of rich toffee, brown sugar, and dark caramel lead, accompanied by a symphony of sweet cream, banana, and a delightful surge of baking spices. Notes of dark chocolate, dried apricot, and a nuanced nuttiness (pecans, peanuts) add further depth. The rum cask influence introduces a subtle "tropical funk" and added sweetness.
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Finish: Long, warming, and remarkably smooth, despite the proof. Lingering notes of oak, vanilla, salted caramel, black cherry, and a gentle spice (cinnamon, black pepper) provide a sophisticated and satisfying conclusion.
Awards & Recognition:
Jefferson's Blend Of Straight Bourbon Marian McLain Limited Edition has garnered significant acclaim for its innovative nature and exceptional quality:
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95 Points, Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute) – "Exceptional" and Gold Medal, particularly for Batch No. 3.
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Rated 94 points by Whisky Advocate (praising its rich flavor profile and smooth finish).
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Named one of the top 10 bourbons by The Bourbon Review, highlighting its complexity and collectible nature.
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Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) (for a specific batch or general recognition).
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Highly sought after by bourbon connoisseurs for its limited availability and tribute to a bourbon industry pioneer.
Overall Impression:
Jefferson's Blend Of Straight Bourbon Marian McLain Limited Edition is a profound and delicious tribute to a remarkable woman, embodying resilience, ingenuity, and a passion for whiskey. Its intricate blend of five distinct bourbons, each contributing its unique character, results in a rich, complex, and exceptionally smooth spirit that is both a historical narrative and a modern masterpiece of blending. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a truly special and memorable bourbon with a captivating story, Jefferson's Marian McLain Limited Edition offers an unparalleled drinking experience, best enjoyed neat or with a minimal splash of water to uncover its many layers.