Jefferson's Reserve Bourbon

I appreciate Jefferson's; they produce some unique selections. Perhaps they are overhyped, but I try not to let external opinions sway my enjoyment of a spirit. If it's good, I like it. I've truly enjoyed some of their experimental creations. Their main bottle is a reasonable introduction to their range. However, I somehow overlooked this particular offering, which is a step up from the entry level. Let's get right into my assessment of one of Jefferson's core products. Nose: Notes of caramel, vanilla, and brown sugar. Hints of toffee and butterscotch. Smells like vanilla frosting. Also, raisin, cola, and Gala apple. Touches of cocoa. Sawdust, earthy corn, black pepper, oak, clove, and nutmeg. Palate: Gala apple, vanilla, and toffee dominate. Flavors of caramel and brown sugar. Butterscotch is present. Cocoa notes. Black tea and tobacco. Raisin. A subtle hint of leather. Sawdust. More of that earthy corn. Oak is there. Finish: Vanilla, caramel, toffee, and brown sugar on the finish. Black tea and peppercorn. Cocoa, tobacco, and cinnamon. Sawdust and earthy corn. Black pepper and oak. Clove and nutmeg. The finish lasts a medium amount of time. This is by no means a bad whiskey. It's enjoyable and clearly a quality product. It would serve as an excellent bourbon for someone new to the category. However, it doesn't quite spark the imagination for a seasoned drinker, which is my primary criticism. At $48 (marked down from $54), I'd say it's just about worth the price of admission. I wavered between a score of 3.0 and 3.75. After tasting it on consecutive days, I've decided on a 3.5. Considering how significantly bourbon (and whiskey in general) prices have climbed recently, I won't be overly critical of its value. It's a solid spirit, but it could certainly benefit from a few more years in the barrel to justify its "Very Old" designation. It would easily be a 4-star pour, but it's respectable as it is.

The aroma presents as quite balanced with typical bourbon characteristics, accented by fresh savory herbs. What someone else perceives as sweet popcorn and fruit, I interpret as a subtle hint of Double Bubble bubble gum. It's considerably less woody or tannic than I anticipated given its rumored age, which is a positive. Experiencing it for the first time, I'm struck by how it engages all the taste receptors on the tongue: sweet, salty, a touch of sour and bitter, all mellowed by a consistent umami sensation, a rich yet not overwhelming leathery "meaty" quality (distinct from the meatiness found in many Islay spirits). Adding a bit of water significantly enhances the rye notes. I definitely plan to get a bottle for my collection.

Nose: Corn, slight astringency, and a whisper of fruit. Palate: Initially buttery, smooth vanilla gives way to more fruit notes, now resembling berries. Finish: Brief, concluding with a touch of spice. Though "very old" remains undefined, this is an easily drinkable pour, possessing a subtle proof that doesn't overwhelm. Its flavor profile deviates from the traditional but offers a comfortable familiarity for sipping.

Drank neat. It's a rich copper color. The nose is sweet and attractive, with ripe honey, caramel, and fruit notes like green and red apples and pears. It also has creme brulee, oak, and some herbal and slightly smoky elements for balance. The taste is sweet and spicy, with notes of kettle corn, caramel, green herbs, oak, vanilla, and baking spices. The finish is fairly long, with sweet, herbal, and cinnamon candy flavors. It's smooth, easy to drink, and has some complexity. I would purchase it again.

I appreciate this particular bottling from Jefferson's, though I favor the Ocean Aged expression over the Very Old. It's acceptable to sip, but I won't be stocking it. My bourbon/whiskey palate is still developing, with over 50 documented tastings but fewer than 100 as of 2022. (This includes all appreciated spirits, not just those consumed neat.)

The nose is sweet with cherry and has a light quality. The sip is smooth, featuring fruity and spicy notes. I get notes of rich red apple skin and ripe cherries. The texture on the palate is somewhat viscous, almost velvety. A delightful bourbon overall.