Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Cask Strength Voyage 27

A store selection from Total Wine and More in Gilbert, AZ. 115 proof. The nose is sweet and nutty, with notes of cashew and peanut butter. While I usually find the 'aged at sea' concept to be a gimmick, I must admit I detect some salted caramel. There's no ethanol burn whatsoever. It lacks significant complexity, but the flavors present are very pleasing. On the palate: it's like liquid Snickers. Caramel, rich milk chocolate, vanilla ice cream, peanut, creamed corn, and cashew. It's undeniably the nuttiest whiskey I've ever had. Despite being essentially a dessert whiskey, there's an MGP brightness that truly appeals to me. The finish delivers strong cinnamon heat, freshly cracked black pepper, oak, barrel char, and wood varnish. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and chewy, perfectly complementing the flavor profile. I thoroughly enjoyed this despite its relatively simple character. I'm a big fan of sweet, nutty whiskies, and this one delivers. At $109.99, it's hard to justify as a bargain, but I have no regrets and might repurchase when I'm in the mood.

A well-balanced Kentucky Bourbon, fully matured at sea and shipped around the globe. It crossed the equator four times, visited over five continents, and was bottled at 112 proof. It begins aromatically with notes of cinnamon buns, orange zest, burnt sugar, and marshmallow; its robust and spicy middle adds notes of salted caramel, fig, and chocolate fudge; leading to a balanced, medium-length finish with notes of sweet mint, lemon poppy seed muffins, and nutmeg. It's delicate for a Cask Strength offering. June / October 2019 / August 2022

This is a top store selection. 112.6 proof. Smell: Sweet aromas like an early morning bakery. Taste: Caramel, sorghum, molasses, brown sugar, and a hint of heat. Finish: Lingers long with peanut brittle upfront, followed by cracked pepper and cinnamon on the back end. It's at a very good proof. Nothing exceptional, but it could be a solid everyday drinker as I can see myself finishing this bottle quickly.

Much oakier than the cask strengths I'm accustomed to. A little burn, but not bad. Spice and sweetness arrive later. Need more to really tell.

Notes of nut, chocolate, and vanilla at the front of the mouth, with a sweet taste as it goes down.