Jefferson's Ocean Aged At Sea Rye (750Ml)

Jefferson's started in 1997. Trey Zoeller founded it with his father Chet, a well-known bourbon historian. Whiskey runs deep in the family. Trey's eighth-generation grandmother was arrested in 1799 for making and selling spirits. That streak of bold, rule-bending ideas shaped the brand from day one.

The big idea was to age whiskey at sea. Barrels ride on a ship's deck across the world's oceans. The constant rocking pushes the whiskey deeper into the wood. Swings in temperature speed things up as well. The result tastes caramelized, a bit like dark rum, with a salty edge you might link to Islay Scotch.

This rye was the first rye in the Ocean series, and its voyage was the 26th for the brand. It is double barreled. The whiskey rests in new charred barrels and toasted barrels before it boards the ship. It is non-chill filtered and bottled at 96 proof.

Your first sniff brings toasted marshmallow and maple syrup with a hint of spice. On the palate you get toffee and vanilla, plus a light touch of tobacco. The finish is warm with baking spices, cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt.

Judges have noticed it. It took Platinum at the Ascot Awards in 2022 and Double Gold at the John Barleycorn Awards that year. In 2023 it won Gold at the Beverage Testing Institute World Cocktail Competition.

Sip it neat, or stir it into a Manhattan or your go-to bourbon cocktail. It also makes a lively whiskey and Coke. Try it with dark chocolate, smoked meats or aged cheese.