Jefferson's - Ocean Double Barrel Rye - Voyage 26
$79
Jefferson’s – Ocean Double Barrel Rye – Voyage 26
Collection: Voyage 26
Proof: 96
Age: NAS
Distillery: Jefferson’s Bourbon Company
Type: Rye Whiskey
Mash: Unknown – 51%+ Rye
Website: Jefferson’s Bourbon Company
*Disclaimer: A score of 5 is the midpoint for my reviews. Above 5 I like it. Below 5 I didn’t for some reason. Most of my reviews are between 4-7. It takes something really really special to go above 7 or below 4. See the methodologies for rating at the end of the article
Nose: Very sweet and rich on the nose. The Caramel and Toasted Oak stand out the most. Maple Syrup and slight Rye Spice round out the nose.
Taste/Palate: The palate follows similar characteristics as the Nose. It’s sweeter side and has a subtle start. Rich Caramel leads the way again with sweet notes of Vanilla and Honey closely behind.
Finish: The finish steps up a bit. The sweetness hangs in the background, but a bit of Rye Spice and All Spice come to the forefront. Overall you can pick up a Salted Caramel taste throughout.
Verdict: I really like this Rye. Many times Ryes are very chewy, minty, husky, etc. Jefferson’s Double Barrel Rye – Aged at Sea gives you a more of a bourbon style, but with some of that Rye punch at the end. Two thumbs up on this one.
The Story: I’ll admit. I saw Jefferson’s Ocean years ago. My first impression was… This is a gimmick. I will 100% admit I was “wrong”. What was I wrong about? Well, this isn’t a gimmick. The Jefferson’s line is well made and the juice that’s aged a sea get’s some extra love. I’ve tried 5 difference Voyages now and each one has a little saltiness to them and I haven’t disliked any of them. There’s a single barrel Voyage 19 “wheated” mash out there that I’ve bought 4 different bottles of. Really like it.
The Distillery’s Story: Each Ocean Aged at Sea Voyage tells it’s own story. I’ll start with that. Voyage 26, Double Barrel Rye Whiskey – Aged at Sea starts as a Rye aged in #3 Char barrels and then double barrel in a split between Char #3 and toasted barrels. Next, Jefferson’s ocean rye was then hyper-aged at sea. On the tag on Voyage 26 it tells the story of where the ship went with the barrels and what conditions that ship (and barrels) endured. If you check out Jefferson’s Website you can click on each voyage and it tells you a bunch about the trip and shows a map. As of this post Voyage 26 isn’t on the website, but you can find it on the neck tag that comes with the bottle.
For the Distillery in General: “Founded in 1997, Jefferson’s is the brainchild of Trey Zoeller and his father Chet, a famed bourbon historian. They were continuing a family whiskey tradition that goes back to Trey’s 8th generation grandmother who was arrested in 1799 for the “production and sales of spirituous liquors.” His curious and experimental mindset has allowed him to push the boundaries of bourbon whiskey. Upholding tradition, yet always discovering new possibilities.”
Methodologies for Rating:
1. Dump it down the drain or regift it to someone you don’t care for.
2. This doesn’t even belong in a mixed drink. Use in case of an emergency.
3. It’s really not for me, but I heard some people like it.
4. Its only good when I’ve had too many and it’s decent in a mixer.
5. Average. Not bad, but not special.
6. Above average. Good to bring to an event and you wouldn’t expect any guff from it.
7. Buy two if you see it to make sure you have one on reserve.
8. Very Very good. Constantly a GREAT POUR.
9. Superb. If I were to drink this and only this from now on I’d be a happy person.
10. Perfection is impossible. But this really comes as close as you can possibly get.
Reviewer: David S
Click Image for About Us Page