Whiskey_Hound
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Voyage 18 Cask Strength
Bourbon — USA
Reviewed
July 8, 2020 (edited July 9, 2020)
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.
90.0
USD
per
Bottle
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