Jefferson's Ocean Aged At Sea Bourbon undergoes a unique aging process that sets it apart from other bourbons. The journey begins on land, where the bourbon is matured in American oak casks for around seven to eight years. During this time, the whiskey develops its flavors and character, absorbing the nuances of the oak and the surrounding environment.
But the aging process doesn't stop there. Once the initial maturation on land is complete, the casks are then loaded onto a ship and set sail, where they will continue to age for another five to ten months at sea. This maritime journey adds an extra layer of complexity to the bourbon, as the constant motion of the ship, the salty air, and the varying temperatures all contribute to the transformation of the spirit.
The decision to age the bourbon at sea was inspired by the historical practice of aging spirits on ships during long voyages. In the past, it was discovered that the constant motion and temperature fluctuations of the sea had a positive impact on the maturation process, resulting in smoother and more refined spirits.
By subjecting Jefferson's Ocean Bourbon to this unique aging method, the distillers aim to recreate the conditions that influenced the development of spirits in the past. The constant movement of the ship gently agitates the bourbon, allowing it to interact with the wood of the cask more intensely. This interaction helps to extract additional flavors from the oak, enhancing the complexity of the whiskey.
The sea air also plays a role in the aging process. The salty, briny air can subtly influence the flavor profile of the bourbon, imparting hints of maritime character. This is especially noticeable in the Ocean Aged At Sea expressions, where the sea influence is intentionally emphasized.
Having personally experienced the taste of Jefferson's Ocean Aged At Sea Bourbon, I can attest to the unique qualities that the sea aging imparts. The whiskey exhibits a smoothness and depth of flavor that is truly exceptional. The oak notes are rich and pronounced, with hints of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The maritime influence adds a subtle brininess and a touch of sea salt, creating a captivating sensory experience.
Jefferson's Ocean Aged At Sea Bourbon is aged on land for approximately seven to eight years before being loaded onto a ship for an additional five to ten months of sea aging. This unique aging process adds complexity and depth to the whiskey, resulting in a truly exceptional bourbon that captures the essence of the sea.