Jefferson's Ocean Aged At Sea Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: A Voyage of Flavor and Innovation
Embark on an extraordinary sensory journey with Jefferson's Ocean Aged At Sea Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a truly pioneering expression from the adventurous minds at Jefferson's Bourbon. Born from an experimental idea by founder Trey Zoeller, this bourbon redefines the aging process by sending barrels on a global voyage, allowing the forces of the ocean to shape its unique character.
Each "Voyage" of Jefferson's Ocean begins with carefully selected Kentucky Straight Bourbon barrels, typically aged for 6 to 8 years on land. These barrels then embark on an incredible journey aboard ships that traverse the world's oceans for five to ten months, visiting multiple continents and crossing the equator numerous times. During this maritime maturation, the constant rocking of the ship continually churns the whiskey within the barrels, increasing its contact with the charred American oak. Simultaneously, the extreme temperature fluctuations from equatorial heat to cooler climates, along with the salty ocean air, cause the oak staves to expand and contract. This unique interaction draws out more of the wood's sugars and imparts a distinctive briny, caramelized, and complex flavor profile that cannot be replicated in a traditional rickhouse. Bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), Jefferson's Ocean is an adventurous and highly sought-after bourbon, offering a truly singular tasting experience.
Key Characteristics:
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Innovative Ocean Aging: Barrels are aged at sea, undergoing constant motion, extreme temperature swings, and exposure to salty ocean air, fundamentally transforming the whiskey.
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Hyper-Aged Profile: The dynamic conditions accelerate the aging process, intensifying flavors and creating a darker, richer bourbon.
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Global Voyage: Each voyage travels across continents and multiple climates, contributing unique nuances to every release.
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Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Begins as a traditional Kentucky bourbon, upholding a foundation of quality.
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Distinctive Flavor: Known for notes of crème brûlée, salted caramel, and a unique savory, briny character from the sea.
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Batch Variation: Each "Voyage" (batch) offers subtle differences, making collecting and comparing them a part of the experience.
Tasting Notes:
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Appearance: Deep, rich amber to dark mahogany, often darker than bourbons of similar land-aged duration.
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Nose: Aromas of crème brûlée, sweet tobacco, and a surprising hint of sea spray. Notes of vanilla, caramel, and a subtle brininess are also prominent.
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Palate: Full-bodied and complex, with a velvety texture. Flavors of rich caramel, light brown sugar, and toasted oak intertwine with a unique salty character. Hints of cinnamon, espresso, dark chocolate, and even a subtle fruitiness (like dried fruit or caramelized banana) can emerge. The sweetness is often edged with a distinct savory quality.
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Finish: Long, smooth, and thoroughly coating the palate, leaving lingering notes of Cracker Jacks, sea salt, oak, and a pleasant warmth.
Awards & Recognition:
Jefferson's Ocean Aged At Sea Bourbon is widely celebrated for its innovation and quality:
- Double Platinum, 2023 Ascot Awards
- Double Gold Medal, 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC)
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Recognized by Whisky Advocate as a "90+ Club" member for its complex flavor and innovative aging.
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Highly praised by consumers and critics alike for its unique flavor profile, smoothness, and the compelling story behind its production.
- Often cited as a testament to the power of unconventional aging methods.
Overall Impression:
Jefferson's Ocean Aged At Sea Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is more than just a bourbon; it's an adventure in a bottle. Its truly innovative aging process delivers a unique and captivating flavor profile that stands apart from conventionally aged whiskies. For the bourbon enthusiast seeking something truly different, or a collector looking for a conversation starter, Jefferson's Ocean offers an unparalleled journey of taste that is both daring and deliciously rewarding.
