Jefferson's Rye Cognac Cask Finish

We all have those bottles, right? The ones that got away. You see them, they pique your interest, but you pass them up for something else you've already budgeted for. You put off buying that second bottle for a bit, thinking you'll get to it. Then, by the time it's at the top of your list, it's gone! That was the case for me with Jefferson's Rye Cognac Cask Finish. Part of the reason it wasn't a priority was that, from what I'd read, Jefferson's bourbon doesn't justify its price; however, I had also read that this is their first rye in years, and I have a fondness for various cask finishes, especially with rye (see, for example, my reviews of Hudson Back Room Deal and Sagamore Spirits Tequila Cask Finished Rye). This Jefferson's seemed like a perfect fit. While the shelves in my area were well-stocked in the spring, by the time I went to buy it, it had sold out. Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I visited a store I don't usually go to after receiving my booster shot. I figured since I had been brave and didn't flinch during the injection, I deserved a reward. And there it was, Jefferson's, back in stock after being unavailable. And, of course, the green wax seal above the label just screams holiday spirit, even if it's not technically a holiday drink. So, I decided it was time, and before it vanished again, perhaps permanently, I would purchase it. And... The rye spice blends well on the nose with the cognac's influence, which adds a subtle floral sweetness like lavender-infused gingerbread. There's also a hint of freshness, similar to clothes dried outside on a warm summer day. It's delicate and pleasant, not at all overpowering. In fact, the aroma is subdued, not in a negative way, but in a way that makes you want to explore it further to identify the scents. On the palate, the floral notes continue, and we also detect a woody character, though it's more like cedar than oak. It reminds me of a note in Glenfiddich 14 that I find soapy (so be warned, that note can affect people differently; I've seen reviews that praised the 14, and I could barely finish the bottle), but here it stops just short of being soapy and remains enjoyable. The flavors, like the aroma, are subtle (actually much subtler than any cask-finished rye I've had), but the mouthfeel is somewhat lacking and watery. The finish, when it appears, is brief and peppery, and not the most memorable part of the experience (the aroma is likely the most memorable aspect). This Jefferson's Rye isn't quite as satisfying to me as the Sagamore Tequila finished Rye, nor is it as intriguing as an experiment as the Back Room Deal (though of the two, this one is closer to the Back Room Deal's flavor profile, which is strange because the Back Room Deal is finished in barrels that held peated scotch). I'd say it's worth trying for $60 if you already enjoy cask-finished rye, but if you don't, I think you can pass and you won't be missing much. Overall, it's a competent offering, though I believe a $10 price reduction would make it more accurately reflect its value. However, price often reflects availability as much as quality. It's not bad, but I'd say it's a quarter-star short of being truly remarkable.

I hope this review isn't too long. You recall that first taste of A Midwinter's Night Dram, the moment you thought, "Okay, I get it." This offering aims to replicate that for rye finished in cognac barrels, much like MWND did for rye finished in port. My initial instinct was to say "it didn't quite reach those same lofty heights," but now I'm reconsidering if it truly falls short. It possesses less intensity; it's more understated; and here I am, spending considerably more time with this bottle than anticipated for a mid-week assessment. So, to be absolutely clear, I find this pour to be both successful and compelling, and I do recommend it. Nose: Numerous comparisons spring to mind, but three primary elements are vying for dominance: smoke, citrus, and pine – occasionally, a whisper of tobacco. To be completely transparent, I sampled this in a kitchen where I had recently cooked bacon, so that undoubtedly influenced the initial impression... but I kept returning to the idea of savoring a citrus-braised, peppery Cuban-style pork shoulder at a restaurant adjacent to a cigar lounge. Alternatively, it evoked the experience of dining in a Vietnamese establishment, presented with a mix of salt, sugar, and pepper in a small ceramic dish, accompanied by lime to complement roasted meats. If those culinary comparisons don't resonate, you might also think of Pine-Sol, but not in an unpleasant way. In essence, the rye character here is remarkably vibrant. However, don't let it linger in your glass for too long. After a period, the brighter, more distinctive citrus aromas diminish, and it begins to smell more like a standard rye. Flavor: This drinks as though it was never matured in new charred oak but rather was a rye mash aged from the outset in previously used barrels. It immediately coats your palate like a light syrup, yet without the sweetness. This texture is reminiscent of cognac, and that sensation was the very first thing that came to mind with every sip. Then, unexpectedly, it transitioned into rye. This is a captivating pour. I found myself returning for another taste, sip after sip, driven by a desire to better comprehend that subtle cognac note, but it would vanish before I could fully grasp it. I now understand how some members of this group suddenly discovered their bottle was half empty after a very brief period. Overall, the flavors are subtle, but in a positive sense. It's easy to drink and leaves you wanting more. A familiar rye spice forms the foundation, unifying everything, yet it never overpowers. As the finish develops, the cognac reappears, joined by black tea and the zesty lime quality initially detected on the nose. A delicate, smoky, sweet tea characteristic lingers as the finish gradually fades.

Fortunate to discover this at an unexpected stop at our local shop. I grabbed it right away, despite mixed experiences with other Jefferson lines. Nose: A light nose... Perhaps stone fruits? Apricot and vanilla. Sweet and inviting. Palate: The cognac makes a notable impact, lending a nuttiness reminiscent of a chestnut cask. I still detect the apricot flavor, with just a hint of the chocolate others have mentioned. It has a lovely mouthfeel and a full, rich, creamy character more typical of a bourbon than a rye. Finish: A mild tingle on the tongue. The finish is medium-length and lingers without any burn. Overall: Wow. I'm very impressed. I believe the flavor balance is perfect. The rye spice is present (which I prefer), but it's not the dominant note. It drinks like a high-end whiskey to me, and at $60, it's a worthwhile purchase. I would readily buy it again if I found it.

I have had a few Jefferson tastes with mixed reviews. This one has gotten some pretty rave reviews, so when I saw one on the shelf I gave it a go. Nose is a very nice fresh baked rye with a sweet edge from the cognac finish. First sip is something different for a rye. Very little bite for a rye. Cinnamon comes through in bunches in this pour with some very sweet edges. There is a soft cinnamon burn that comes on mid sip that never gets very strong, but delivers a slow warming finish. Overall I am really impressed with this glass. I know this will not be everyone's preference and purists will scream blasphemy at a finished whiskey. They can walk on by the shelf with this one, but for the rest of us this is a great pour. Grab one if you get the chance!

Deep golden straw color. Numerous legs that move fairly quickly, leaving a fine trail in the glass. Cognac is evident on the initial aroma. Golden raisins and white grape at first, followed by floral hints, then the rye emerges. Subtle spice and a barnyard scent with bright oak notes. A syrupy, soft texture on the palate, with sweet green grapes at the start. It quickly shifts to spice and warmth in the mouth and chest, with dry white oak. The finish features the green apple rye character mixed with vanilla, golden raisins, D'anjou pears, and dry oak. This is quite interesting... The cognac barrels definitely enhance the rye, creating harmony and highlighting the vibrant fruitiness from the rye.

This was sampled at a bar for $10; I figured it was smarter to taste it before committing to a whole bottle. The aroma was sweet with notes of rye and cinnamon. The taste was quite unlike my anticipation. It was much sweeter, though not overwhelmingly rye-like (contrary to what one might anticipate from a rye whiskey) and had a slightly sharp edge. The finish featured abundant cinnamon but was fleeting. In conclusion, it was "acceptable." Neither outstanding nor awful, it made for an intriguing drink. I would not purchase a bottle given the cost, but I might order another serving for $10.