Jefferson's Reserve Twin Oak Custom Barrel Bourbon

Opinions vary widely on this bourbon. My initial tasting at a specialty shop was impressive enough due to its distinct character that I purchased a bottle for occasions when I desire something different. Upon opening the bottle and sampling a few pours, I can confirm it is indeed "different," but not necessarily in a positive way. The aroma hints at the spice from a high rye mash bill. The first sensation on the palate was a smooth, oily texture. Instead of developing into the burnt caramel and vanilla I appreciate in a good bourbon, a very subtle brown sugar sweetness was rapidly overtaken by a bitter taste, and the smoothness gave way to intensely heavy oak. This reminds me of a story from grad school. The student union building had a deli where you could customize your sandwich with any ingredients for a fixed price. I love cheese, and they had about nine varieties. So I thought, "You can never have too much cheese," and asked the sandwich maker to put a slice of each kind on my sandwich. As I sat down on a nearby bench to enjoy my ultimate cheesy creation, I quickly found that my ability to close my jaw slowed dramatically and nearly stopped about two-thirds of the way through the cheese stack. I managed to push through, but then my molars had the same difficulty chewing, and my throat's muscles simply refused to cooperate in swallowing the rest. I learned that day that there is such a thing as "too much cheese." Returning to the present, the relentless waves of oak on the palate and finish taught me a similar lesson: there is such a thing as "way too fucking woody" in a bourbon.

Jefferson's succeeds again. This is truly excellent. I'm baffled how their sourced spirits remain so high quality, but they should continue their efforts. I still consider the Jefferson's range to be expensive, but I can't deny its quality. It's not quite as superb as the Ocean Voyages I've tasted, but it costs $25 less. It also exhibits more oak character and a richer flavor profile. I think it's a reasonable exchange. If you find a bottle on discount, get it. My thanks to a friend for the sample.

Incredibly disappointing! This is probably my second-worst purchase ever. Woodford Reserve Double Oak is about $20 cheaper and significantly better! If you're not a big fan of whiskey and bourbon and just want something easy to drink, this might be for you. It tastes heavily diluted and lacks complexity, just flat and quick. I don't understand what these other reviews are saying, lol, and definitely skip it at $70-$80; a huge letdown.

Wood! Oak! So much oak! Somehow, they created a unique and enjoyable experience with this oak bomb! Sweet oak on the aroma, with some warmth, vanilla, and scorched sugars emerging. The taste features sweet oak spices. The finish is prolonged, transitioning from those sweet spices to oak tannins and tartness.

This is a very "traditional" bourbon flavor from Jefferson's. A slight heat and spice on the tip of the tongue, with caramel and nutmeg on the finish. It leaves a burning sensation in the mouth at the end, and just a gentle warmth in the chest.

I hold Jefferson in high regard. This overly produced spirit did very little for me. It was flat and one-dimensional. Much like the current 6ers team, launching three-pointers as if they'll always connect. The 6ers will beat the Nets in six games.