Jefferson’s Reserve 8 Year Old Bourbon Review

Jefferson’s Bourbon was founded in 1997 by Trey Zoeller and his father Chet. The family has rich historical roots in bourbon, with Trey’s 8th-generation grandmother having been arrested in 1799 for the “production and sales of spirituous liquors.” The whiskey was named after Thomas Jefferson as an homage to the past American President’s connection to the bourbon industry and also because, as Trey admits, “I had no marketing budget. I simply wanted a recognizable face associated with history and tradition.” Regardless the reason, it was clearly a smart and savvy call and the Zoeller family has matched the quality of their whiskey to that storied name, regularly receiving awards for their products.

Jefferson’s is perhaps most well known for their innovative Jefferson’s Ocean line, where the whiskey is aged at sea on ships, purportedly altering the flavors due to increased agitation, variable temperature, and humidity changes. However, not to be forgotten are their other offerings from their “essential collection”, which include a small-batch bourbon, triple rye, and a 8-year-old reserve.

This review focuses on their newly minted 8-year-old Reserve Bourbon, a replacement for their previously labeled “reserve” expression. “Getting to this age statement meant going back through our older, more mature barrels and crafting this bourbon with intention,” said Ale Ochoa, Jefferson’s Master Blender. “Aged a minimum of eight years in American oak, this bourbon offers dark fruit and vanilla custard upfront, then baking spice, oak and toasted almond carrying through to a long, spicy finish.”