Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Voyage 17

This is my official deep dive into Jefferson’s. Feel free to skip ahead to the tasting, because there are going to be a bunch of these cheesy intros, all copy/paste. ~~~~~~~~~~ Concept: I walk into a liquor store and see like a billion different Jefferson’s bottles, yet my knowledge of them is minimal. My perception is that I typically don’t care for their stuff, but somehow, before choosing to start this experiment, I already had six different Jefferson’s on my shelf. How did they invade my house? ~~~~~~~~~~ Methodology: Step 1: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch. Patient 0. Where it all started? Never had it, so a damn good place to start. This one was bought specifically for this experiment. Step 2: Jefferson’s VSB vs Jefferson’s Reserve (Very Old Very Small Batch). I already had this one. How did this get in my house? Step 3: Jefferson’s VSB vs Jefferson’s Ocean. Is it a gimmick? Again, how did this get in my house? Step 4: Jefferson’s Ocean standard vs Jefferson’s Ocean wheated mash bill. Repeat house question. Step 5: Finished Jefferson’s. I got rum, Sauternes, and Prichard Hill. Let’s do this. Step 6: Blind taste test with all 7. Hell, throw in Chef’s Collaboration. (Seriously, how?) So there’s 8. Can I pick them out based on steps 1-5? Are there any standout Jefferson’s expressions, or is it all marketing? The stakes are so low, the tension is palpable. ~~~~~~~~~~ Disclaimer: Starting this, I don’t much care for Jefferson’s in general. There’s this weird gummy-bear-ness that I can’t shake. Hoping to find my Jefferson’s product by the time this is over. ~~~~~~~~~~ Jefferson’s Ocean, aka “Step 3” Is this a gimmick? This was one of my main questions coming into this experiment. I’ve been drinking this one side by side with Jefferson’s Very Small Batch over multiple days. I don’t have a drinking problem. I’m a scientist. This is voyage 17, for those counting. And holy hell is this dark compared to the VSB. If you really want to compare the noses of these guys, Glencairn is the way to go. They are related, but this one drops the leather and the nuttiness. It’s still very sweet and floral. I’m sticking with honeysuckle as the main takeaway, but there’s caramel and sugar too. Great nose. The body is a different world. While solid for what it aims to do, Jefferson’s VSB is oily and entry level, very bottom-shelven in taste. Just made up a word, and I think I’m gonna keep it. This body is creamy and thick feeling, like milk. The flavors that stand out are simple, but well done. I get salt, caramel, cane sugar, and bitter chocolate. Well presented, very different from VSB, and special. Finish is salty, but when combined with the residual chocolate you get a praline flavor. It’s phenomenal. The VSB cinnamon is there, but that praline note takes the cake for me. Multiple times during this review, I had to make an effort to avoid being that guy. I was tempted on more than one occasion to say “sea salt” instead of “salt.” I weathered that storm. However, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that this really does make me reminisce about trips to the beach. Just sitting here now, at least 5 minutes since my last sip, I lick my lips and it reminds me of what it feels like lick your lips at the end of a long day swimming at the beach. I literally hate myself for typing that just now, I’m just being honest with you fine people. According to their website, this magic is due to the motion of the ocean. Here’s the rub: could you accomplish the same flavors without traveling around in a boat, bumping into rubber duckies? I don’t see why not. I’ve had all these flavors before. Not trying to take away from the value of the product here, just pointing out that this whiskey is a strong performer in an existing flavor profile space. From a tasting note perspective, there’s nothing truly revolutionary here, even though this is a very delicious bourbon. Is there something about this sea-aged process that truly takes your mind back to the ocean, or is it merely the power of suggestion? I honesty don’t know, and I’m pissed off about that. I still strongly dislike most Jefferson’s products I’ve tried. However, I like Jefferson’s VSB. Moreover, I freakin love this. I hate reviews that say, “this tastes like a warm, summer day.” But I’ll be damned if this doesn’t taste like a warm, summer day at the beach. I hate myself so much right now. Nonetheless... so far, this is my Jefferson’s. Is it a gimmick? Who the $&@% cares? It’s delicious. They could age a barrel in the trunk of a 2001 Ford Focus for all I care. If it tastes like this, I’m down. Speaking of gimmicks: I liked this drink so much I bought a color-changing rocks glass that says Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea. It turns light blue with ice. I have no regrets. Moreover, this gives me a chance to give notes on the rocks: As expected, ice kills most of the nose. I can still get caramel and salt, with effort. The body has an amazing, even more creamy feel, and milk and chocolate take over. The body is very easy to drink and enjoyable this way. A praline finish is still there, but without the heat. On the rocks is very delicious with this bourbon. Conspicuous problem: since voyage 17 is good, do I need to collect them all? My brain went there, and I immediately shut it down. The answer might be yes, but even though this product line is going to be a new permanent resident of my shelf, I simply don’t care enough to track down earlier voyages. I’m not going to spend my bourbon capital that way, and I don’t think those that do will see return on investment. I’d be interested to hear from a true Jefferson’s fan if I’m wrong there. Regardless, I absolutely will grab future voyages, should they pop up in my local stores. Like Booker’s, I strongly believe that these are made to drink, not hoard.

I am continuing to sample whiskies from my collection that are yet to be reviewed. Voyage 17 of Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea was a gift. The “Aged at Sea” sounds like a marketing gimmick. The company states that barrels of Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea® Bourbon travel on ships visiting ports worldwide. The continuous movement of the sea agitates the whiskey, increasing its contact with the barrel wood. Extreme temperatures, from frigid to scorching, age the spirit rapidly in a way a rickhouse cannot. Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea® Bourbon is Aged At The Mercy of The Sea. Experience a voyage yourself. It’s a compelling idea: the agitation and higher temperatures conceptually align with the claim of “hyper aging,” but this claim is undermined by the absence of an age statement. I also question the benefit of extreme cold on the aging process. Regardless… Color is a clear Pantone 138. The initial aroma is somewhat reserved and dusty, but it soon develops into dill pickle, rye, a touch of vanilla, and spearmint. The palate begins with more rye, then intensifies with rye spice and a heat that belies the 90 proof. The finish presents some mild woody tannins (perhaps from the distillate's movement on the ocean) and a lengthy finish of...rye. Significant rye on the nose, palate, and finish. As it's labeled bourbon, the mash bill must contain at least 51% corn, but I suspect the remaining 49% is rye. To me, this bourbon is initially unappealing because it deviates from typical bourbon characteristics. It's akin to tasting limeade presented as orange juice: it's not unpleasant, but the disorientation detracts from the experience until the familiar emerges from the unfamiliar. The marketing is substantial; apparently, each voyage has its own URL with an interactive map, photos, and a “Captain’s Log.” The final sentence of the Captain’s Log suggests the drinker “get yourself…an ice cube or two and enjoy.” As a purist, I find it difficult to take seriously when the company advises drinking an already diluted spirit with ice, which further dilutes it and diminishes the aromas and flavors due to cooling physics. Although this was a gift, I'm disinclined to spend $75-80 on a bourbon that doesn't taste like bourbon, is only 90 proof, and is heavily marketed (even if the marketing is interesting, innovative, and potentially valid). Would I purchase it? No. Small-batch blend of straight bourbon whiskeys, so it's at least two years old. 90 proof. 2.25 out of 5 stars. Note: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Distilled by: Undisclosed Bottled by: Jefferson’s Parent Company: Castle Brands Proof: 90 proof Age: NAS, but the Ocean Aged at Sea project originally used a blend of 6-7 year aged bourbon that was then aged an additional 6 months at sea. Mash Bill: Undisclosed Barrel Char: Undisclosed Price: $79.95 at NC ABC Rested 5 minutes in a Glencairn, and then another 5 minutes because I got distracted. Neat. Nose: A lot of burnt sugar upfront. Caramel. The oak comes through with some ethanol heat, with a slight touch of dried fruit underneath - ever had craisins? That. Palate: The fruit that was hiding a bit on the nose comes through in the palate. Pepper, with some kind of baking spices mixed in (clove? Allspice? Not quite sure). This palate is unique: it’s not like any of the other bottles I’ve had so far. The profiles aren’t overly complex, and you have to sort through them a bit rather than them having a nice progression. It’s a touch hot for the proofing, but not unpleasant. Finish: Medium-long. The fruit disappears pretty quickly, leaving the mouth coated with straight oak and tannins. It’s a bit bitter, and a bit tangy. Raw pecans pop up as the finish fades. Not bad. Overall: This glass, like I mentioned in the palate notes, is unique. It’s good, but a bit hot for 90 proof. I like to justify my ratings based on what I feel the value is rather than a score, and at $80 this... doesn’t do it for me. $80 is going to set the bar mighty high anyway, but this feels like a gimmicky bourbon that somehow got popular enough for the parent company to get away with the price tag it has. It’s a bottle with a fun story, if you’re into that.

As a devoted Scotch and Bourbon enthusiast, I naturally enjoy this. To put it simply, this bourbon possesses two distinct qualities that set it apart from many others: a heavily charred flavor and brininess. It's peculiar how these flavors would be challenging to achieve naturally without maritime aging. Thus, that's what makes this bourbon special. It presents as very light and delicate, which isn't typical for my bourbon experience. Bourbon is usually perceived as dark and rich. If you appreciate Scotch and are seeking a good bourbon? Opt for this one. If you're a bourbon aficionado looking for a good Scotch? Consider the Glenfiddich 14 Bourbon Barrel Reserve. I'm not comparing them in terms of taste, richness, or quality, but rather their appeal to individuals with diverse whisky preferences. I genuinely endorse this whiskey... provided cost is not a primary concern. Obtaining another bottle will be difficult due to the $75 price point for this type of product. At $49.99, I wouldn't hesitate. I believe this is a case where the narrative commands a premium. For me, while the story is significant, the liquid itself is the main attraction.

Received as a gift from a traveling acquaintance, this is a valued addition to my collection. The aroma of the Voyage 17 is superb and rich. Notes of burnt brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, and oak spices are prominent. More subtle hints of pear, apricot, and sea spray are also present. On the palate, the spices deliver a pleasant warmth at the back of the throat. The brown sugar, caramel, and vanilla coat the palate, stimulating salivation and anticipation for the next sip. The salinity from the sea spray is subtle (I'd prefer more of it, as seen in other Voyage offerings). A black cherry note also appears, enhancing the peppery spice. I'm a great admirer of the Jefferson's Ocean releases and particularly enjoy the voyages with enhanced brininess, as the sea spray adds a delightful dimension to the flavor profile. The Voyage 17 must have experienced very calm seas, as this characteristic is quite indistinct. A unique bourbon and worth seeking out. Nose: 4/5; Taste: 4/5; Finish: 4.25/5 Overall: 4/5 Would I buy again: Unavailable in my region, but yes, if I come across it during my travels. Type: Special Occasion

This is Voyage 17. The aroma is sweet, featuring cooked plums with baking spices, pear juice, sweet corn, and a hint of oak. I also can't ignore the brininess, even though I'm trying to disregard the "aged at sea" narrative; it's undeniably present. It has a somewhat Scotch-like character. The palate offers a pleasant creamy and oily texture with sweet corn, hints of red apple, baking spices, vanilla, some leather, oak, and a touch of saltiness. There's a brief surge of a Scotch-like note initially, presumably from the brininess. The finish is medium-long with a very mild burn that dissipates quickly. It leaves notes of vanilla and a slight salty/bitter sensation on the front of the tongue. Overall, this is a fine bourbon. The salty/briny notes are present, not overpowering, but noticeable, giving it a resemblance to Scotch. I'm also reminded of Blanton's and other Buffalo Trace mashbill #2 products. The sweet, smooth cooked apples and spices evoke that connection. If Blanton's were a Scotch, this would be it.