Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Voyage 18 Cask Strength

Awesome request with all information filled out, first of all. Amazing how many other entries are terribly incorrect and pay nothing but offense to the work put into these whiskeys. I've had a few different voyages before (although don't remember which ones), and it doesn't take any type of expert to taste the easy difference that the sea imparts, and no other distillery makes anything that comes even close to this taste or idea. I've been in a heavy seafaring mood lately, so instead of rum or brandy, I wanted to get creative to encompass my preferred taste. I've seen voyages 17 through 22 in stores around for the last few weeks, and after reading the ship's log for 18, even though I didn't want a cask strength, I couldn't resist, as it just spoke to me. The scent here has lots of classic bourbon tropes, but I would guess this is best imparted from the proof, as there is a bit of burn that makes smelling temporary. There is certainly good rye spice, and plenty of caramel, or rather salted caramel, as is usually found in the Ocean series. There is also a faint sweet smell, something close to chocolate or aged grape, either from wine or brandy. Given how unique the flavors are in the Ocean series, I feel that cask strength may actually take away some of the detection of said flavors, and make it harder to enjoy. I am unfortunately living this situation through this particular voyage. However, knowing Voyage 18 is only offered as cask strength, and given the heavy storms the vessel endured, I take this on as part of what the taste should be. So in this, the high proof and what I would guess high rye mash bill go to work making the palate very spicy at first. Salty sea air definitely has changed and sweetened the overall spirit, but there are less salty notes in the finish than there are sweet, which I find highly different from the other voyages. The finish does bring forth an almost chewable chocolate, which I'm loving because it reminds me of the other aforementioned classic spirits found on ships, so I get to have my whiskey flavors and a bit of sweet rum or Cognac all at the same time. Overall, this is a good offering, and truly a good price given how extremely unique it is, but not worth it to me personally. I believe enough is likely different between each voyage that they are all worth trying, but I likely won't partake in any of the cask strength offerings again, as there is still plenty to taste for the cost in the watered down versions.

Very heavy oak. Sweet salty dark chocolate cherries. Almost a rye baking spice?

Smooth and salty. Fairly oaky with a little spice. Not a ton of vanilla. The fact that this spent a fair amount of time with varying humidity and fluctuations in temp shows. The juice feels older, more mature and smoother than you’d expect.

A few years back, I tried one of the single-digit batches of Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea. I was very impressed with it, though I was not nearly experienced with bourbon as I am today. So when I saw this CS version, I figured it'd be worth a try if my memories of the standard release are any indicator. Let's see how it holds up uncut. Bottle No. 029802. Nose: Lot's of standard bourbon notes. Caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, cocoa, and brownie. Maybe salted caramel. Some cherry, Gala apple, dark grape, orange citrus, and leather. Something akin to old books. Heaps of spice. Virtually all Jefferson's expressions are bottled at right around 45% ABV. At 56%, the cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice, and oak become very prominent. We're off to a very good start. Palate: Caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, maple, and toffee. Plenty of rye spice, black pepper, and a bit of dill. Orange citrus. Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice, and heavy oak all transfer from nose. Some ginger slices are mixed in. Finish: Even at a relatively low proof for a cask strength bourbon, you better believe this produces a long finish. A bit of cola, raisin, and more orange citrus. And then it's waves of spicy notes: cinnamon, black pepper, clove, nutmeg, allspice, oak, and dill. Strong finish. Definitely not how I remembered this from my first bottle. But then again, there are some obvious differences. Nevertheless, I am a fan. A couple things to point out. There is only one note that indicates that this was aged at sea--and it's definitely a reach--salted caramel on the nose. Superb nose. A bit of a dip on the palate that is easily redeemed with a very strong finish. Not changing the game here, but I respect the ingenuity that the Jefferson's outfit brings to the table, which results in a quality product. Don't expect a strong maritime influence with briny attributes. That is wholly nominal, and to my palate, this may as well have been aged on American soil for its entire barrel life. Go in expecting a high-quality, high rye (I base that only on my notes), and relatively high-octane bourbon, and you've got yourself a winner.