Rock the boat baby…
Jefferson’s just dropped the news of its 26th release of “Oceans: Aged At Sea” with a groundbreaker – FIRST EVER RYE aged at sea. It’s quite amazing this is their first Rye given the expansive length of Oceans, this being the 10th year anniversary of the very first Ocean Voyage release, circa 2012. 25 prior Ocean batch releases, heck, you figure at least one of those was a Rye.
The liquid for #26 is a fully mature rye whiskey that was double barreled (75% in char 3 barrels and 25% in toasted barrels). It was then placed on ships – a singularly uncommon place to live – and traveled through ports around the world as part of the unique finishing technique for which the Ocean series is known.
“I’ve always had the desire to create a Rye within the Jefferson’s Ocean portfolio, but wanted to make one that you could sip – so I did just that. The unpredictability of the ocean and the way it affects our products has always been intriguing to me. but this, combined with our double barreling process, made for a more robust profile, while the increased interactions with barrels and fluctuating air temperatures balanced the spice of rye. This aging process churns and treats our whiskey like no rickhouse could.”
– TREY ZOELLER, JEFFERSON’S FOUNDER AND WHISKEY INNOVATOR
Suggested tasting notes as provided by Jefferson’s: Surprising flavors and layers of depth that only the mercy of the sea can deliver. Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Rye is a rye balanced by caramelization that comes specifically from the sea-aging process. The combination of the new char 3 barrels and new toasted barrels adds a flavorful depth of marshmallow and toffee on the nose and palate. These rich notes are delicately accented by leather and tobacco with a long finish of baking spices and cinnamon that are kissed with a touch of sea salt.
Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Rye is non-chill filtered, which brings an even fuller flavor profile, and bottled at 96 proof.
WHEN/WHERE/HOW MUCH?
Starting April 2022, whiskey drinkers will want to be the first to taste rye’s premiere voyage. Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea® Rye (SRP: $79.99/750mL) will be available at local retailers, bars, and restaurants across the U.S.
For more information visit at https://jeffersonsbourbon.com/ and follow the brand on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jeffersonsbourbon.