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Jefferson’s is known for taking its bourbon on a journey—literally, with the Ocean Aged at Sea series that sends barrels around the world on container ships to age in different climates, or the Tropics release that ships casks to other countries where they are exposed to high heat and humidity. The brand has a few other tricks up its sleeve as well as far as cask finishing, but not much barrel-proof whiskey to speak of. That changes this month with the release of the new Jefferson’s Reserve Cask Strength, which joins Ocean Aged Cask Strength as the second high-proof expression in the lineup.
Jefferson’s was founded in 1997 by Trey Zoeller and his father, Chet, and was acquired by French drinks company Pernod Ricard more than 20 years later in 2019. The brand sources its whiskey from other distilleries, but in 2022 it was announced that Pernod would build a dedicated distillery and warehouses for the brand, proof of its success and belief in the future of American whiskey (which, admittedly, is currently facing some headwinds). Zoeller is a pretty interesting character in the industry, with plenty of stories to tell and more than enough bravado to make them interesting. The core lineup consists of a straight bourbon and Reserve, an expression that he launched in 1998 and is said to have older whiskey in the blend than the former. The new cask-strength release is a “high proof evolution” of that whiskey, according to the brand.
Jefferson’s Reserve Cask Strength is an eight-year-old bourbon that is non-chill filtered and bottled at 130 proof (65 percent ABV). For context, that puts it into the higher range of a Booker’s release, and the mid-range of some older Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bourbons. “For years, Jefferson’s Reserve has been our flagship bourbon, celebrated for its balance and sophistication,” said Zoeller in a statement. “With this cask-strength release, we’re peeling back the layers to reveal the whiskey in its most authentic form—untamed, uncut, and packed with intense flavor. This is for those who crave the full experience of a high-proof bourbon that’s as big as it is drinkable.” According to the official tasting notes, there are flavors of red fruit, cola, vanilla, and barrel spice on the palate, with a warm, lingering finish.
You can find Jefferson’s Reserve Cask Strength (SRP $70) available to purchase now from select retailers around the country, or from online retailers like ReserveBar if you would rather have it shipped directly to you.
Authors
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Jonah Flicker