Jefferson's Reserve Cask Strength Bourbon

Open for 4 months Aroma - Fresh green apple, cinnamon powder, white pepper, vanilla frosting, creme brulee, light oak, and strong ethanol. Taste - Red Hots, tart apples, bitter caramel, grilled corn, and barnyard hay. The finish is medium-long. This bottling received significant acclaim, hyped as a "Stagg killer" and "best alternative to ECBP," among other things. I cannot comprehend what these online reviewers are discussing. Jefferson's website claims it is 8 years old, despite the bottle being NAS. This is the youngest 8-year cask strength bourbon I have ever encountered. It tastes hot and apple-forward. The heat overwhelms the aroma and taste, particularly if it's your first drink of the day. I must admit I was very eager to try a Jefferson's cask strength with age. Perhaps this signals a new direction for this overpriced and disappointing brand? Based on this bottle, I doubt it. It drinks like a lower-tier 4-year-old MGP bourbon and does not compare to most bourbons in its price category.

NEAT AROMA - Caramel, Toasted Oak, Vanilla, and Brown Sugar. Perfectly balanced. T ASTE - Unlike many bourbons at this proof, this doesn't taste hot. It's simply bold and full of flavor. The aromas carry through to the taste, with a viscous and chewy texture. FINISH - Medium in length. Caramel, Cinnamon, and Oak. WORTH BUYING? - Definitely. WORTH BUYING AGAIN? - Yes. This was my initial experience with Jefferson's, and I purchased it based on others' recommendations. I'm pleased to confirm they were correct!

Jefferson's did a commendable job with this one! At 130 proof, the aroma is too intense to discern much, but hints of honey, cinnamon, and banana bread come through. The finish is excellent. If you appreciate Booker's and Stagg, you will enjoy this!

Very thick, coats the mouth, and has a spicy, honey flavor. The alcohol content is noticeable but not unpleasant. It has a nice medium to long finish. The cost is reasonable, especially considering the 8 years of aging and 130 proof. A good purchase.

As others have noted, this is quite spicy, which I enjoy. It's not highly complex with typical bourbon notes. I appreciate Mash & Drum's description: vanilla gasoline.

Nose: fruitcake, hints of vanilla, honey or burnt sugar Taste: a touch of cinnamon, vanilla, honey, and sugary notes, decadent and velvety, spice remains, wood