Jefferson’s Reserve Cask Strength is a limited-edition high-proof bourbon that has been aged 8 years.
According to Trey Zoeller, founder and master blend of Jefferson’s Bourbon, “For years, Jefferson’s Reserve has been our flagship bourbon, celebrated for its balance and sophistication. With this cask strength release, we’re peeling back the layers to reveal the whiskey in its most authentic form — untamed, uncut and packed with intense flavor. “This is for those who crave the full experience of a high-proof bourbon that’s as big as it is drinkable.”
Jefferson’s Reserve Cask Strength is an allocated limited-edition special release with a suggested retail price of $69.99 per 750ml. bottle.
Bourbon Review: Jefferson’s Reserve Cask Strength
ABV: 65% (130 Proof)
Age: 8 Years
Mash Bill: Not Disclosed (Believed to be 60% Corn, 30% Rye, 10% Malted Barley)
Distillery: Sourced (Bottled for Jefferson’s Bourbon Co.)
Location: Crestwood, KY
The Nose: It’s funny how an aroma can take you back someplace special. The nose reminds me of my father who had a period of two years where he would make a baked apple almost nightly. The aroma takes me back with notes of apple and cinnamon which rise upward from the initial pull from the glass. I quickly put it down and thought of my dad who passed away over 35 years ago. Subsequent pulls from the glass reveal additional notes of vanilla, tropical fruits and a touch of oak.
The Taste: The initial sips while having some heat is nowhere near what I expected. There are hints of cherries, pomegranate, and a touch of strawberries on the initial sip. Subsequent sips see the red fruits being less dominant as nuances of vanilla, toasted oak and toasted almonds provide a lot of depth to this high-proof bourbon.
The Finish: This is where you find the heat that would expect from a 130 proof pour. It quickly warms the soul while providing cinnamon, toasted almonds, caramel and rye spice.
Conclusion: I haven’t met a bottle of Jefferson’s I didn’t like. My first venture into the brand came as a 50th birthday gift (I am 56 at the time of this review) and that bottle was Jefferson’s Grand Selection Chateau Pichon Baron French Oak Cask Finish. As much as I despise bottles that are finished that was the bourbon that led to my transition from rum drinker to heading down the rabbit hole of bourbon. It is also a perplexity that I almost never buy Jefferson’s by the bottle. I’ll order a drink when out to dinner, or be ecstatic when I get it as a gift but until today I have only bought one bottle; Jefferson’s Ocean Special Wheated Mash Bill.
The Jefferson’s Reserve Cask Strength is everything you expect from a high-proof bottle. It is also everything I love about high ABV pours. We don’t let price factor in our score but at $69.99 a bottle this one is an absolute steal. While I know not everyone likes the added strength and it is noticeable on the finish but the depth of flavors shows why barrel proof/cask strength is often better.
Score: 94
Price: $69.99 (750ml)
