I’d like to thank Jefferson’s Bourbon and their PR partners for sending this sample with no strings attached.
It’s been a minute since we last looked at anything from Jefferson’s Bourbon. Not for any real reason—I usually like it. But many of their releases have been more of a “change of pace” bourbon for me, as they haven’t always lined up perfectly with my palate. Well, just having bourbon outside of a tasting has become a change of pace for me these days, so I don’t buy or consume nearly enough to warrant a "change of pace" product on the shelf. Because of that, I don’t buy their stuff as often as I probably used to, and as such, I don’t cover it as much either.
That said, they were nice enough to send me a sample to check out, so let’s dig in.
Jefferson’s Reserve Cask Strength is an 8-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon bottled unfiltered at 130° proof (65% ABV). This limited-edition release will be available starting April 2025 at select retailers, restaurants, and bars across the U.S., with a suggested retail price of $69.99 for a 750 mL bottle. Here is what the brand has to say about this release:
“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,” said Trey Zoeller, Founder and Master Blender of Jefferson’s Bourbon. “This is for those who crave the full experience of a high-proof bourbon that’s as big as it is drinkable.”
Let’s see how it tastes, shall we?
Jefferson's Cask Strength.
Purchase Info: This bottle was sent to me for review purposes at no charge. The Suggested Retail Price is $69.99 for a 750 mL bottle.
Price per Drink (50 mL): $4.67
Details: 8 years old, 65% ABV
Nose: Strong floral vanilla notes initially, followed by cinnamon, cherry, and oak.
Mouth: As hot as you would expect 130 proof to be. Follows the nose with vanilla, cinnamon, oak, and cherry notes.
Finish: Long and warm, with lingering notes of vanilla, cinnamon candies, and a bit of oak.
Thoughts: Holy shit! This may be my favorite Jefferson’s bourbon yet. It has all the heat you’d expect at 130° proof. Neat, it is thick, rich, spicy, and sweet. A touch of water tames some of the heat and brings out more oak, a little almond, and even more vanilla. Folks, I really like this one. And not just in a “change of pace” manner.
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