Jefferson's Ocean is a unique and innovative bourbon that undergoes a special aging process at sea. It is the brainchild of Trey Zoeller, the founder of Jefferson's Bourbon. The idea behind Jefferson's Ocean was to experiment with the effects of the ocean environment on the aging process of bourbon.
The process begins with carefully selected barrels of bourbon being loaded onto ships and sent on voyages around the world. These ships travel across the oceans, visiting various ports and crossing the equator multiple times. The constant motion of the ship and exposure to the salty sea air create a truly unique aging environment for the bourbon.
As the barrels voyage across the seas, they are subjected to the rocking and swaying of the ship, which leads to increased interaction between the bourbon and the wood of the barrel. This constant movement helps to extract more flavors and compounds from the wood, resulting in a bourbon with enhanced depth and complexity.
Additionally, the exposure to the sea air and the varying climates as the ships travel through different regions contribute to the aging process. The bourbon undergoes rapid temperature fluctuations and experiences different levels of humidity, which can significantly impact the flavor profile.
The result of this maritime aging is a bourbon that is hyper-aged, meaning it develops flavors and characteristics typically associated with much older spirits. The constant exposure to the elements also adds a touch of salinity to the bourbon, reminiscent of the sea.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Jefferson's Ocean is the sheer number of miles and ports the barrels travel. On average, each voyage covers over 25 ports, spans across 5 continents, and includes 2 equator crossings. This extensive journey exposes the bourbon to a wide range of environments and influences, further enhancing its complexity.
I had the opportunity to taste Jefferson's Ocean during a bourbon tasting event, and it was truly a remarkable experience. The bourbon had a deep amber color and a rich, caramelized aroma. Upon tasting, I immediately noticed the layers of flavors that danced on my palate. There were notes of vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, and a hint of brininess that added an intriguing twist.
The mouthfeel was velvety smooth, and the finish lingered with a pleasant warmth. It was clear that the maritime aging process had imparted a unique character to the bourbon, elevating it to a whole new level.
Jefferson's Ocean is a bourbon that undergoes a one-of-a-kind aging process at sea. The constant motion, exposure to sea air, and varying climates contribute to the development of a hyper-aged bourbon with unparalleled depth and complexity. Each voyage around the world adds a touch of maritime magic to the spirit, resulting in a truly exceptional drinking experience.