The aroma has a pleasant corn presence with moderate-light oak and even fainter notes that seem like wheat but are hard to place. It only starts to sting when I bury my nose deep in the glass. The flavor is bolder than the proof suggests, and the wheat definitely helps make this easily drinkable 90 proof spirit. Lingering on the smell, I begin to notice some light citrus varnish scents. There isn't much flavor complexity when swirled, but it sits firmly in the bourbon category (sweet, corn, oak) without leaning heavily in any one direction, and has less char than most. The mouthfeel is richer than the flavor and has a nice oily body that coats the mouth and the glass – it leaves legs! There's very little burn on the finish, and I believe most casual drinkers would find it both smooth and easy to drink. Overall, I find it good, but not exceptional. I don't regret spending nearly $70 on it, but the flavor profile isn't one I'd seek out again. I have no clue what the aged at sea concept actually contributes beyond marketing, but based on some reviews, you'd think the sea had permeated the barrels – I don't really get any of that and immediately question reviews mentioning 'brine'. I think it's best enjoyed neat rather than on ice or in a cocktail, as the subtler flavors get lost.
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Voyage 15 Special Wheated Mash Bill
Whiskey Bourbon USA No age statement 45% ABV
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About this bottle
The fifteenth release in the Jefferson's Ocean Voyage collection utilizes wheat instead of rye as its secondary grain. For this series, bourbon barrels aged for approximately six to eight years are put on a ship for several months at sea. This well-traveled bourbon journeyed across the equator four times and visited 30 ports on five continents before bottling.
How it tastes
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Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 39 parsed reviews.
It smells like a familiar wheat-based bourbon. Some grassy notes are also present. The intensity on the taste is unexpected. A collection of floral and woody scents. However, the typical vanilla and caramel bourbon notes are absent. The lingering sensation is herbal and slightly bitter. Delightfully sugary throughout. A smooth mouthfeel. 6/29/18
The aroma is very fruity and salty. Due to the wheated mash bill, the taste is somewhat spicy/peppery, but smoother than typical wheated bourbon and definitely more briny, with some pleasant, more subtle notes of banana and tropical fruits. The finish isn't the longest, but it's not extremely short either.
The nose has a bit too much ethanol. Oak and some caramel. The legs running down the glass look decent. The palate is a little harsh. It's hot with black pepper. The finish is brief with a taste of slightly sour wood. Generally, it's unrefined and I would not buy a bottle of this.
The aroma is among the best for bourbons, very inviting. The taste is straightforward, and you can immediately tell the wheat is prominent. The finish is moderate with just a hint of spice to remind you it's bourbon! A very solid drink on its own.
An enjoyable dram. I concur with the expert review's summary, although I don't find the brine overpowering. For me, it's a pleasant accent accompanied by lingering spice and wood. I quite like this drink.
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Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.