Waterford Distillery founder Mark Reynier has no shortage of opinions about how he feels whisky should be made, and he’s putting those opinions into the… Read More
Waterford Distillery founder Mark Reynier has no shortage of opinions about how he feels whisky should be made, and he’s putting those opinions into the bottle. Reynier has butted heads with the whisky establishment many times over the years because of his passion for flavor above all else, critics be damned. He’ll share some of his opinions with us on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Compass Box founder John Glaser is stepping down after 23 years, while there’s both good and bad news about whisky exports.
I really don’t think you can go wrong with this bottle. Whether you’re embracing your inner white girl or are just one of those adults who is way too into Halloween, this bottle is not to be missed. If you can snag a bottle, definitely do it!
AGE: Non-Age Stated but rumored to be 4-6 years old
YEAR: 2023
PROOF: 80 (40% ABV)
MSRP: $40
ERIN'S NOTES
NOSE: Kohl's Flannel | Freshly Ground Clove | Pure Vibes
TASTE: Gentle Maple | Warm Cinnamon-Sugar-Duster Apple Cider Donuts | Late Stage Capitalism
FINISH: Salty caramel that melts into that wax-paper-enveloped mystery candy your old folks neighbors gave out, and we still can’t quite figure out why they were always half oozed out of their wrappers. And then it closes with just a gentle whisper of that unshakable desire to go out of your way to step on that very crunchy-looking leaf only to realize that the leaf was, in fact, rather damp and in no way crispy.
SHARE WITH: Your favorite basic bitch. Preferably in an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, or corn maze. It is especially apt to enjoy while perched atop a bay ride. Perfect for featuring in your Tinder profile pic to attract the ladies to lure in a Q4 cuffing season situationship.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: I really don’t think you can go wrong with this bottle. Whether you’re embracing your inner white girl or are just one of those adults who is way too into Halloween, this bottle is not to be missed. If you can snag a bottle, definitely do it! Enjoy alongside your candy corn while doling out sweets on the 31st or proudly display on your coffee bar next to your vast collection of HomeGoods “Live, Laugh, Love” and “Fall, Y’all” wood cutouts.
OVERALL: Whether you like it or not, Pumpkin Spice is a flavor phenomenon that is here to stay. Forged in the corporate marketing fire of Pike Place, the Pumpkin Spice Latte debuted at Starbucks in 2003. Today, Pumpkin Spice products account for nearly $1T in sales of products ranging from the snacky (hummus, Pringles, Twinkies) to the scatological (Poo-Purri, butt wipes) to the downright stupefying (engagement rings, caviar). But soon to join the ranks of the Pumpkin-Spiced potpourri is something near and dear to our bourbon-loving hearts: Jefferson’s Pumpkin Patch.
On the heels of their Tropics release and to usher out the summer, Jefferson’s Pumpkin Patch delivers a warm, spicy hug to usher in the fall season. As a white woman, I see no limit to the number of products that can be spiced with the essence of pumpkin and autumnal baking flavors, so I was thrilled when I had the opportunity to review this new release.
And oh, Charlie Brown, the Great Pumpkin has indeed arrived! Wow. I cannot imagine anything better to sip on while taking selfies in front of a hay wall and holding a quirky-looking fantasy pumpkin. If cheugy were a flavor, Jefferson’s just bottled it.
Jefferson’s continues to outdo itself in finding new and innovative ways of harnessing ambient flavors and imbuing them into their whiskey to deliver a truly special experience that transports the drinker to a special time and place while quaffing. When asked about the impetus for this newest release, Trey Zoeller, Founder and Master Blender for the brand and avid equestrian, said he was inspired to craft these seasonally-inspired flavor journeys during the pandemic.
“One day during the fall of 2020, I was riding one of my beloved horses when the undeniable scent of pumpkin pie spice wafted across the field. It was the first time I found myself grinning uncontrollably since the beginning of the pandemic. I thought, ‘nature must be healing,’ I wanted to share that warmth and joy with Jefferson’s fans everywhere, whether they were cooped up inside or sitting at a bar.”
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Trey Zoeller during one of his 2020 inspirational rides.
“Jefferson’s Pumpkin Patch offers a transformative experience that we endeavor to infuse into each installment of the Voyages series,” continued Zoeller, who was recently inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame. “I realized I wanted to make something that brought joy to the face of everyone, not just the hardcore bourbon bros. After all, bourbon is for everyone, no matter how basic they may be.”
BRAND NOTES
Jefferson's Bourbon releases its first seasonally-inspired voyage to commemorate the journey from summer into autumn.
NOSE: Baking spices, notably ginger and nutmeg. Light roast espresso.
FINISH: A Kentucky hug filled with warm cinnamon, ribbed for her pleasure.
It cannot be denied that Pumpkin Spice has become an inextricable part of the modern American gustatory zeitgeist. Pumpkin Spice is not just a melange of common baking flavors but the defining flavor experience of a generation. We are proud to celebrate this unique flavor experience with an equally distinctive whiskey, aged and finished in the playful Jefferson’s way discerning drinkers across the globe have come to love and respect.
Jefferson’s will also offer a limited edition line of fall-inspired clothing to accompany the special whiskey release, so you can look the part while drinking this expression. The carefully curated capsule collection will include branded offerings ranging from wide-brimmed felt hats, pumpkin-hued plaid blanket scarves, and unique Glencairn glasses dipped in candy-corn-colored wax.
At Jefferson’s, we constantly seek to surprise and delight our loyal whiskey drinkers who, with each dram, seek to explore new flavor destinations and experiences. We are thrilled to introduce this latest seasonal addition to the Jefferson’s Voyages family, which will thrill the palates of our existing fans and entice new ones. We can’t wait to show you where we’re going next.
Jefferson’s will also offer a limited edition line of fall-inspired clothing to accompany the special whiskey release
Disclaimer: Jefferson's Bourbon did not provide Bourbon & Banter with a sample of their product for this review because it is as real as the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, & that Lusty Claw is actually sourced from Stitzel Weller. It's a joke damnit! However, we do appreciate their sense of humor and willingness to take part in our parody efforts. Thank you.
Pernod Ricard-owned Jefferson’s Bourbon has released – Tropics Aged In Humidity: Finished In Singapore – a bourbon aged in the Singapore heat as the initial entry in their climate-focused Tropics series. Jefferson’s Tropics Aged in Humidity: Finished in Singapore began as Kentucky straight Bourbon, matured four to five years in Kentucky before being finished 18 […]
Pernod Ricard-owned Jefferson’s Bourbon has released – Tropics Aged In Humidity: Finished In Singapore – a bourbon aged in the Singapore heat as the initial entry in their climate-focused Tropics series.
Jefferson’s Tropics Aged in Humidity: Finished in Singapore began as Kentucky straight Bourbon, matured four to five years in Kentucky before being finished 18 months in Singapore, bottled at 52% alcohol by volume [104 proof] and is said to impart notes of caramel, cherry and vanilla.
Only 720 barrels of Jefferson’s Tropics Aged in Humidity: Finished in Singapore Bourbon were sent to Singapore and will be priced at $100 per bottle.
Trey Zoeller has come a long way in 25 years since founding Jefferson’s Bourbon, alongside his father Chet. The Bourbon scene was a lot different back in those days versus the present hay day of the Bourbon Renaissance. Starting on a shoestring budget and gutting it out took good old fashioned entrepreneurial grit. Apparently, that […]
Trey Zoeller has come a long way in 25 years since founding Jefferson’s Bourbon, alongside his father Chet. The Bourbon scene was a lot different back in those days versus the present hay day of the Bourbon Renaissance. Starting on a shoestring budget and gutting it out took good old fashioned entrepreneurial grit. Apparently, that toughness and fighting “spirit” is in the blood, going back eight generations to be precise.
Marian McClain is Trey’s 8th generation grandmother. Trey’s father, a masterclass researcher, discovered and uncovered an interesting connection to their Revolutionary War era ancestor. Marian’s husband passed during the War of American Independence. Needing to feed her five children, the gritty gal turned to making moonshine. She was charged with making booze and not paying the required taxes on it.
Paying homage to his family roots, Trey has created Jefferson’s newest release “Marian McClain” Whiskey. The blend is marriage of 5 purposefully selected Bourbons and whiskies. The number 5 representing her number of children. The flavor range of the chosen 5 whiskies is quite incredible. From different ages. To different finishes ranging from a wheated double barrel to a rum cask finish. And a nice proof at 102.
We’re excited to hopefully score a dram of this one!
Bottled at 102 proof (51% abv), with a SRP of $300 nationwide, now available.
“We started Jefferson’s on a shoestring budget and with Marian’s vivacious spirit in mind – it’s why we do what we do,” says Zoeller. “This entrepreneurial fund is our way of helping other people who, like Marian and Corcoran, are risking everything to pursue their dreams.”
Marian McClain Entrepreneurial Fund: $20,000 Prize
To embody Marian’s gutsy go-getter grit, Jefferson’s has partnered with highly successful entrepreneur Barbara Corcoran (Shark Tank) in creating the Marian McClain Entrepreneurial Fund. The gist, potential contestants are encouraged to submit a short video of their snappy business idea HERE. Trey and Barbara will choose the grand prize winner and award of $20,000. The winner will also get the chance to connect with Trey and Barbara to help cultivate the winning idea.
Five consolation winners will get $1,000 (the same amount of money Corcoran had to start her real estate business). Submissions to the contest have opened and will close on May 7, 2023.
Jefferson’s Bourbon will be the recipient of a brand spanking new $250 million ‘state-of-the-art’ carbon neutral distillery to be located in Marion County, Kentucky. The new facility comes courtesy of new owner, France-based spirits giant, Pernod Ricard, which purchased Castle Brands [the parent company of Jefferson’s Bourbon] in 2019. Jefferson’s Bourbon will be a part […]
Jefferson’s Bourbon will be the recipient of a brand spanking new $250 million ‘state-of-the-art’ carbon neutral distillery to be located in Marion County, Kentucky.
The new facility comes courtesy of new owner, France-based spirits giant, Pernod Ricard, which purchased Castle Brands [the parent company of Jefferson’s Bourbon] in 2019.
Jefferson’s Bourbon will be a part of the new company Pernod Ricard has created called The American Whiskey Collective and that Jefferson’s Bourbon would continue to partner with local farmers and suppliers to source local ingredients and casks.
Pernod Ricard owned brand Jefferson’s Bourbon has announced an investment of $250 million over five years to build a carbon neutral distillery, with related aging warehouses in Marion County, Kentucky.Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ric…
Pernod Ricard owned brand Jefferson's Bourbon has announced an investment of $250 million over five years to build a carbon neutral distillery, with related aging warehouses in Marion County, Kentucky.
Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard says:
American whiskey is an extremely vibrant spirits category, and our strategic investments over the last few years have proven successful. Our philosophy of partnering with entrepreneurial brand founders, while preserving the heritage and terroir associated with the brands they created, has made us an established player in premium American Whiskey. Jefferson's founder Trey Zoeller is no exception. This new investment will allow us to grow our share of category sales not only in the U.S., but also in export markets.
Part of the announcement is that this new facility will be carbon neutral once operational. The facility is also expected to be the first distillery of its size in the U.S. to achieve LEED certification. Some of the ways they are achieving this is by:
Electrode boilers powered by certified renewable electricity, enabling the distillery to not use fossil fuels during bourbon production.
On site electric trucks and facility vehicles also powered by renewable electricity.
Extensive use of solar and natural lighting throughout the property and facility.
Construction is slated to begin in 2023 and will have a 7.5 million proof gallon capacity once finished. Pernod Ricard is spending mad dollars in the US... here are some of their latest announcements and acquisitions:
In 2022, the company's Ft. Smith, Arkansas manufacturing plant has invested in new canning and bottling lines.
In August 2019, Pernod Ricard acquired the TX Whiskey brand, based in Fort Worth, Texas. TX is known for its bourbon made from a proprietary yeast derived from the pecan tree, the official state tree of Texas.
In July 2019, Pernod Ricard acquired a majority stake in Rabbit Hole Distillery, known for its super-premium bourbon and iconic distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.
In 2016, the company bought a majority stake in Smooth Ambler, the award-winning West Virginia whiskey distiller. Pernod Ricard assumed full ownership of the brand late last year.
My Take
I don't know why I'm so amused by the renderings... the deer in the top picture make me laugh every time I see it and the second picture looks like my time at The Fisher College of Business or Grandview Yard. Regardless of the pictures, it's always good to have more supply of bourbon and more distilleries to visit close to Ohio. I'm looking forward to this being finished and am excited about the sustainable building.
What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below.
Big news in the Bourbon State! To the tune of $250M and a 7.5M proof gallons per year distilling capacity. Pernod Ricard today announced a significant move to further leverage the strong growth – and growth potential – of its premium American whiskey portfolio, The American Whiskey Collective. The world’s second largest wine and spirit […]
Big news in the Bourbon State! To the tune of $250M and a 7.5M proof gallons per year distilling capacity.
Pernod Ricard today announced a significant move to further leverage the strong growth – and growth potential – of its premium American whiskey portfolio, The American Whiskey Collective. The world’s second largest wine and spirit company will invest approximately $250 million over five years to build a state-of-the-art, carbon neutral distillery, with related aging warehouses in Marion County, Kentucky for its fast-growing Jefferson’s Bourbon brand. This investment will also include the build of a world class visitor center facility that will welcome whiskey aficionados on the historic South Trail of Kentucky Bourbon.
Marion County, KY. Via Google Maps
“American whiskey is an extremely vibrant spirits category, and our strategic investments over the last few years have proven successful,” said Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard. “Our philosophy of partnering with entrepreneurial brand founders, while preserving the heritage and terroir associated with the brands they created, has made us an established player in premium American Whiskey. Jefferson’s founder Trey Zoeller is no exception. This new investment will allow us to grow our share of category sales not only in the U.S., but also in export markets,” Ricard said.
Ann Mukherjee, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard North America, said the new distillery will enable Jefferson’s to efficiently keep up with very strong consumer demand while staying true to the company’s longstanding commitment to sustainability. “American whiskey is booming, and Jefferson’s growth has been phenomenal,” Mukherjee said. “We’re very bullish on the brand’s potential, and we’re committed to making our new Jefferson’s facility one of the most exemplary distilleries in the world in order to achieve it.
Pernod Ricard has announced the intention for this new distillery to be carbon neutral once operational. The facility is also expected to be the first distillery of its size in the U.S. to achieve LEED certification, an internationally recognized sustainability framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving environmentally friendly buildings. The distillery and warehouses will include such low carbon technologies as:
Electrode boilers powered by certified renewable electricity, enabling the distillery to not use fossil fuels during bourbon production.
On site electric trucks and facility vehicles also powered by renewable electricity.
Extensive use of solar and natural lighting throughout the property and facility.
In addition, as part of Pernod Ricard’s commitment to protect and nurture the terroir surrounding its facilities, Jefferson’s will continue to partner with local farmers and suppliers to source ingredients and casks.
“Our company is an agricultural company at its core and so it is vital that we lead the category forward – in partnership with our farmers and growers – and remain committed to the long-term sustainability of our people, our industry and our planet. This investment is the latest illustration of that belief,” said Mukherjee.
Distillery Entry Rendering
Pernod Ricard’s Irish Distillers and Chivas Brothers brand companies recently announced plans to invest in decarbonizing their distilleries and creating new carbon neutral facilities, following the example set by The Absolut Company, which has consistently set the industry standard for sustainable production. Pernod Ricard is on track to meet the ambitious targets set out in its 2030 global sustainability & responsibility roadmap, ‘Good Times from a Good Place,’ which align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
According to Pierre Joncourt, SVP, Operations, Pernod Ricard North America, “Construction of the new distillery – which will have a 7.5 million proof gallon capacity — is expected to begin in January 2023. Our target completion date for the distillery and related warehouses is 2025.”
Founded in 1997 by Trey Zoeller and his father Chet, Jefferson’s joined the Pernod Ricard portfolio in 2019 when the company acquired the brand’s parent, Castle Brands. Known for his unrelenting thirst for adventure, as well as a decades-long passion for crafting the world’s most unique expressions of bourbon, Trey Zoeller continues to guide Jefferson’s in his role as Founder and Chief Strategist. Since the acquisition, Jefferson’s U.S. sales have doubled.
“For the last 25 years we have been sourcing, contract distilling and — through Kentucky Artisan Distillery — distilling ourselves,” Zoeller said. “It is now time for us to take more control of our destiny. The carbon neutral, state-of-the-art distillery we are building would not be possible without Pernod Ricard’s forward thinking, integrity, and commitment to Jefferson’s and the Bourbon category’s future.”
Pernod Ricard USA’s capital investment in the new distillery and visitor center is expected initially to add roughly 55 new company jobs in Kentucky while generating extra economic benefits for Kentucky-based businesses during the construction period. It is the latest in a series of moves made by Pernod Ricard to expand its investment in U.S. manufacturing and grow its share in the lucrative American spirits and wine market.
In 2022, the company’s Ft. Smith, Arkansas manufacturing plant has invested in new canning and bottling lines.
In August 2019, Pernod Ricard acquired the TX Whiskey brand, based in Fort Worth, Texas. TX is known for its bourbon made from a proprietary yeast derived from the pecan tree, the official state tree of Texas.
In July 2019, Pernod Ricard acquired a majority stake in Rabbit Hole Distillery, known for its super-premium bourbon and iconic distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.
In 2016, the company bought a majority stake in Smooth Ambler, the award-winning West Virginia whiskey distiller. Pernod Ricard assumed full ownership of the brand late last year.
“U.S. whiskey sales are expected to account for a significant amount of Pernod Ricard USA’s total volumes within the next 5-10 years, and the U.S. whiskey export business also has enormous growth potential,” Craig Johnson, SVP American Whiskey Collective, said. “To help achieve these ambitious performance goals, the American Whiskey Collective was created the result will be further accelerated growth from our ‘new fashioned’ whiskey portfolio, focused on pushing boundaries rather than adhering strictly to tradition,” said Johnson.
Jefferson’s Bourbon will soon debut its FIRST EVER DISTILLERY ONLY RELEASE. It’s by lottery only, which is open now and ends next Friday. Here are the details… What Is It? Release Name: Jefferson’s Reserve Twin Oak Extra Aged at Sea Description (Brand Provided): This release is comprised of Jefferson’s Reserve Twin Oak which is fully […]
Jefferson’s Bourbon will soon debut its FIRST EVER DISTILLERY ONLY RELEASE. It’s by lottery only, which is open now and ends next Friday. Here are the details…
What Is It?
Release Name:Jefferson’s Reserve Twin Oak Extra Aged at Sea
Description (Brand Provided): This release is comprised of Jefferson’s Reserve Twin Oak which is fully matured straight bourbon whiskey that is finished in proprietary barrels which were developed in collaboration with Independent Stave Company and Jefferson’s Bourbon. This special barrel is extra seasoned and grooved out to provide twice as much surface area for the bourbon to come into contact with the oak – resulting in a seasoned, double-barreled whiskey that is both smooth and well balanced with a bit of spice and wood. To make this release even more special, we took those barrels and sent them on an ocean voyage! The liquid was given an opportunity to interact even more with the oak from the constant agitation of the ship as well as impart flavors from the sea-salt air – providing a beautifully savory finish on the bourbon.
The Lottery: How To Get It
This is a distillery release only at Kentucky Artisan Distillery. 200 people will be selected in a lottery that has just opened this morning and will end Friday Dec 2nd. Winners will be notified “around” Dec 7th per the brand. If selected, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase this bottle at KAD.
PICK UP: Pick up at KAD is between December 9, 2022 – December 23, 2022 during regular business hours. Visitor center hours of operation are Wednesday – Saturday, 10:00am – 4:00pm & Sundays 12:00pm – 4:00pm EST.
LOTTERY LINK: ENTER HERE for your chance at this release.
PRESS RELEASE: PROVIDED BY JEFFERSON’S Jefferson’s Bourbon – a brand known to literally rock the boat when it comes to whiskey experimentation – launches the newest expression in the popular Ocean Family series, Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea® New York Limited Edition. True to Jefferson’s experimental spirit, founder Trey Zoeller and his team pay homage to New […]
Jefferson’s Bourbon – a brand known to literally rock the boat when it comes to whiskey experimentation – launches the newest expression in the popular Ocean Family series, Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea® New York Limited Edition. True to Jefferson’s experimental spirit, founder Trey Zoeller and his team pay homage to New York with a bold new non-chill filtered bourbon that is cut to 98 proof – using the city’s famous water.
“Like New Yorkers themselves, the city’s water has a magical quality about it. Inspired by legendary foods that are made tastier because of New York water – world famous bagels, pizza, and doughnuts – I thought it would be interesting to experiment with it and see what effect it would have on this Kentucky-born product,” says Zoeller.
“Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea® New York Limited Edition contains beautiful depth; it found its sense of adventure out at sea and developed layers of flavor enhanced not only by the aged-at-sea process – the constant motion of the water, the climate, salty sea air, and barrel agitation – but also by the excellent quality of New York’s water and that it’s non-chill filtered. All of this helped to yield a much bolder whiskey that reflects the boldness of the city in which it was finished.” says Zoeller.
Prior to landing in New York and as part of the unique finishing technique for which the Jefferson’s Ocean series is known, the barrels of bourbon traveled through ports around the world, sailing through rough and smooth seas and experiencing a wide range of temperatures between the North Sea, Europe, the Atlantic Seaboard, and the Panama Canal. When the barrels finished their voyage, they arrived at Manhattan’s first distillery since prohibition, where New York water was used to cut the bourbon to 98 proof and create this bold new liquid.
Similar to Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea® New York Limited Edition, New York’s famous water takes a journey all its own – traveling from the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains that are as far north as 125 miles from the city. The water’s soft, almost salty quality has been known to add flavor, texture, and even “strengthen” the foods and beverages it’s added to, and our bourbon is no different. The combination of non-chill filtering, New York’s water, and the journey our barrels took to get here created a bourbon that contains layered flavors: textured caramel, cigar, and leather on the nose, cinnamon mid-palette, and a Crème Brûlée, nutmeg, salty finish.
Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea® New York Limited Edition is bottled at 49% ABV. It will be available on-shelves and at local NYC on-premise accounts starting November 2022 (SRP $99 /750mL). For more information visit at https://jeffersonsbourbon.com/ and follow the brand on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jeffersonsbourbon.
Jefferson’s Bourbon is launching #WaterwayWhiskeyWednesdays to celebrate their newest expression – Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea® New York Limited Edition. This sea-nic happy hour ferry is open to consumers during select Wednesdays in October. For more details on #WaterwayWhiskeyWednesdays please read HERE.
Introducing Jefferson’s OCEAN Aged at Sea® Voyage 29 Wheated, the third wheated bourbon and newest expression in the Jefferson’s OCEAN: Aged at Sea collection. The vessel carrying casks of Jefferson’s OCEAN Wheated Voyage 29 was first docked in the Port of Savannah, right in the channel that funnels directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Per the brand, the […]
The vessel carrying casks of Jefferson’s OCEAN Wheated Voyage 29 was first docked in the Port of Savannah, right in the channel that funnels directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Per the brand, the ship avoided a tropical storm southeast of Bermuda that gently agitated cargo before heading through the Panama Canal. From there, the casks rounded Australia and traveled into the Indian Ocean.
As the ship traveled north to Singapore, high wind and rough seas moderated below the equator, giving way to long passages of open ocean and frequent stops in China, Korea, and Japan. Even with rough seas and tropical storms, the barrels of wheated bourbon aboard the ship rested quietly in the relatively calm coastal waters before heading out into the north Pacific and crossing to the west coast of America where air temperatures dropped to the mid 50’s, the lowest it got the entire trip.
Per the brand, atypical from other Ocean Voyage expressions, the wheated bourbon’s inherent softer style allows more pronounced vanilla and caramel notes that the Aged at Sea process (changes in air temperatures and sea conditions) delivers.
