Jefferson’s Reserve
“Maybe you are searching among the branches, for what only appears in the roots.”
Founded quite recently in 1997, Jefferson’s is the product of Trey Zoeller and his father Chet. Rather than give us a funkily named new bourbon called ‘Zoeller’ they chose to associate their new venture with one Thomas Jefferson — apparently because he was known for his ‘curiosity and experimental spirit’. See what they did there? Experimental spirits are definitely a trademark of Jefferson’s Bourbon, what other brand do you know that sticks their barrels on a ship and sails them around the world before bottling? None - exactly! Originally the Reserve offering from Jefferson’s was a 15 year old aged bourbon. However, from 2003 it changed to be a blend of lesser aged bourbons and so the age statement was dropped.
Dried red berries, mint and vanilla with only tiny hints of spice on the nose. Palate is light and clean with minty chocolate and oak alongside toffee sweetness. The spice notes are just about there, but are surprisingly subtle with such a high rye mash bill. Finish is lengthy and lingers well. How have they hidden all that rye? Answers on a postcard to the Gents please if you know, because we certainly don’t.
This is such a delicate drink (we can’t think of a better descriptor for it). From its nose, to its entry to the mouth, the flavours are subtle, clean and light. We don’t want to give the impression there is nothing to this bourbon, far from it. We just want to convey how easy this is to drink, if it wasn’t for the price this would be an instant top of the everyday sipper chart.
It’s as if the drink is the personification of a polite English person in bourbon form, apologising for any disturbance their presence has caused and then apologising again as they quietly leave. This is a well-crafted drink and full credit goes to the master distiller for pulling it off. Blended bourbons of different ages is most certainly an art form. The Gents doff their hats to you Sir.
