Frequently Asked Questions
Experience the extraordinary with Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon, a unique spirit crafted for bold flavor explorers. This bourbon embarks on a global journey, traversing five continents and crossing the equator multiple times, where the rolling waves and salty sea air transform its character. The constant motion enhances barrel interaction, drawing out deep caramelized sugars, while the briny air adds a whisper of savory complexity reminiscent of Islay Scotch. Expect a rich medley of caramel, cinnamon, and sea salt on the palate, crowned by a smooth, lingering finish with notes of Cracker Jacks and oak. Aged beyond its years through nature's untamed elements, Jefferson's Ocean delivers a dark, full-bodied bourbon like no other. Perfect for connoisseurs seeking a blend of tradition and adventure.
Process & Profile
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon offers an unparalleled journey of flavor, born from its unique maturation process. This bourbon begins its life aging in American oak casks on land for approximately 7–8 years. The final stage of its aging process, however, sets it apart: barrels are placed on ships and sent on a global voyage, crossing the equator four times, visiting over 30 ports, and enduring the extreme climates of five continents. The constant motion of the sea and fluctuating temperatures create intense interaction between bourbon and barrel, drawing out richer flavors and imparting a complexity that mirrors the adventure of its journey.Tasting Notes
Jefferson's Ocean delivers a multi-layered sensory experience that bourbon enthusiasts savor:- Appearance: Deep amber with golden highlights.
- Nose: Aromas of crème brûlée, vanilla, caramel, sweet tobacco, and a subtle sea spray hint.
- Palate: A smooth balance of salted caramel, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and a whisper of espresso. The ocean influence appears as a briny undertone that enhances the bourbon's richness. Notes of toasted caramel and spice bring additional depth.
- Finish: Long and elegant, with lingering hints of oak, nutmeg, sea salt, and Cracker Jack sweetness.
What Makes It Special
The aging process “at the mercy of the sea” creates a bourbon distinct from any rickhouse-aged counterpart. The constant movement of the ship ensures the whiskey makes contact with the barrel's interior far more frequently, accelerating its maturation and caramelizing the wood's natural sugars. Meanwhile, exposure to salty sea air adds a savory, maritime character, described as a soft brininess reminiscent of coastal scotches. Each voyage results in unique flavor profiles, making every batch an exploration of global influences. This innovative method not only nods to the historical transportation of whiskey barrels but also proves that adventurous maturation can redefine traditional bourbon.How to Enjoy
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:- Neat: Best for appreciating its intricate flavors and maritime influence without dilution.
- On the Rocks: A touch of ice softens the briny undertones, enhancing the caramel and spice notes.
- Cocktails: Elevates classic bourbon cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Boulevardier with its complex, salty-sweet profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon?
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon is a unique Kentucky Straight Bourbon that undergoes a one-of-a-kind aging process. After maturing in American oak barrels for 6 to 7 years on land, the barrels are placed on a ship, where they travel across the globe for 5 to 10 months. The constant motion of the waves and exposure to extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations add distinctive flavors to the bourbon, including hints of brininess and deep caramel complexity.
How does aging at sea affect the bourbon?
The constant rocking of the ocean enhances the contact between the bourbon and the oak barrel, speeding up the maturation process. Temperature changes cause the barrels to expand and contract, which extracts more flavor from the wood. Additionally, exposure to salty ocean air contributes to the bourbon's unique briny and savory notes, resulting in a richer and more complex flavor profile.
What flavors can I expect in Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon?
This bourbon features an aroma of butterscotch, vanilla, caramel, and hints of sea spray. On the palate, it offers flavors of salted caramel, brown sugar, cinnamon, light tobacco, and sea salt. The finish is smooth and long, with lingering notes of oak, Cracker Jacks, and savory sea salt.
Are all Jefferson's Ocean voyages the same?
No, each voyage is unique. The barrels are transported on different ships and routes, exposing them to varying temperatures, humidity levels, and sea conditions. For example, some voyages might experience higher temperatures near the equator, while others encounter cooler climates near the poles, which impacts the bourbon's final character.
Is Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon blended with non-ocean-aged bourbon?
No, all the bourbon in each release of Jefferson's Ocean spends time aging at sea. This ensures that the unique maritime aging process influences the entire batch.
Can I buy Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon in restricted states?
Unfortunately, due to state-specific alcohol shipping regulations, Jefferson's Ocean cannot be shipped to certain states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Vermont. Please check local restrictions before ordering.
What is the proof of Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon?
Jefferson's Ocean typically has an alcohol content of 45% ABV (90 proof), though specific voyages, such as cask-strength releases, may vary in proof.
How can I best enjoy Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon?
To fully appreciate the complex flavor profile, many enthusiasts recommend sipping it neat or with a couple of drops of water to unlock additional flavors. For those who prefer it chilled, a single ice cube can soften the intensity without diluting the flavors too much.
What makes Jefferson's Ocean different from traditional bourbon?
Traditional bourbon is aged in rickhouses, where the barrels remain stationary. Jefferson's Ocean is aged on ships that move across the seas, creating constant motion and exposing the whiskey to temperature swings and salty ocean air, which produces a flavor profile that cannot be replicated in a traditional aging environment.
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