The Kentucky Artisan Distillery, located in Crestwood, Kentucky, proudly serves as the official home of Jefferson's Bourbon. This distillery is where the magic happens – the distilling, blending, and bottling of Jefferson's special bourbon whiskey releases all take place within its walls. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of visiting this distillery and witnessing firsthand the traditional craftsmanship and innovative spirit that goes into every bottle of Jefferson's Ocean.
The process of distilling Jefferson's Ocean begins with carefully selected grains, including corn, rye, and malted barley. These grains are milled and cooked to create a mash, which is then fermented with yeast to convert the sugars into alcohol. The fermented mash is then distilled in copper stills, where the alcohol is separated from the impurities and concentrated to create a clear, high-proof spirit.
But what sets Jefferson's Ocean apart from other bourbons is its unique aging process. After distillation, the bourbon is aged in American oak barrels, as is customary for bourbons. However, what makes Jefferson's Ocean truly special is that a selection of these barrels is then loaded onto ships and set sail across the seas. This maritime journey exposes the barrels to the constant motion and changing climate of the ocean, resulting in a one-of-a-kind flavor profile.
I had the opportunity to taste Jefferson's Ocean during a visit to the Kentucky Artisan Distillery, and I was truly impressed by its complexity and smoothness. The oceanic aging process imparts subtle briny notes, reminiscent of sea salt and seaweed, while also enhancing the traditional bourbon flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It's a truly unique experience for the palate, combining the best of land and sea.
The distilling team at the Kentucky Artisan Distillery is led by Master Distiller Trey Zoeller, who is passionate about pushing the boundaries of bourbon-making while honoring its rich heritage. Trey and his team carefully monitor the aging process of Jefferson's Ocean, ensuring that each batch reaches its full potential before being bottled and released to the public.
In addition to the traditional Jefferson's Ocean release, the Kentucky Artisan Distillery also offers limited edition variations, such as Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Cask Strength and Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Voyage Series. These expressions showcase the creativity and innovative spirit of the distillery, providing bourbon enthusiasts with new and exciting tasting experiences.
To summarize, Jefferson's Ocean is distilled at the Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Crestwood, Kentucky. The distillery's commitment to tradition and craftsmanship, combined with its willingness to explore new possibilities, is evident in every bottle of Jefferson's Bourbon. Whether you're a bourbon connoisseur or simply someone who appreciates fine spirits, I highly recommend experiencing the unique flavors and story of Jefferson's Ocean for yourself.