Jefferson's is a non distiller producer that has gained some notoriety over the last few years. Most see their latest Ocean release as a nothing more than a gimmick to slap a high price tag on average at best bourbon. Undoubtedly though the flagship of their line is the heralded Presidential Select 17 year and 18 year wheated bourbons that were sourced from the famed Stitzel Weller distillery. Just how much Stitzel Weller bourbon was used came into question earlier in this year as Trey Zoeller admitted that later batches of JPS 18 contained ⅓ high rye bourbon. According to Red White & Bourbon it seems things went awry somewhere after batch 18. Here today I am reviewing batch 14 that was purchased just a few short years ago before the bourbon craze went full on stupid and bottles like this hung around on the shelf for a few weeks.
47% ABV; Aged 18 years; Batch 14; Bottle 1948; $90
The nose is quite strong with astringent tannic oak, slight cinnamon spice, and fruity sugars. The age definitely shows through here as it is very rich. The palate is a broad range of soft to dark sweets and fig like fruits that you would expect in a good wheater with lots of age on it. Honey and light chocolate on the front then vanilla and dark fudge in the middle. Towards the end the age really shows itself again with sharp woody notes. The finish doesn't linger as strong as I would like which is likely due to the lowish ABV.
Thoughts: For the longest time this was my favorite whiskey. Back then I felt the heat of Pappy 15 at 107 was just a little hot and the lower proof on this one gave it a softer touch with the same kind of flavor profile. These days I've come full circle and would lean much more towards the Van Winkle 10 or 15 not only because 107 is my wheelhouse but also because I'm becoming less of a fan of bourbons much older than 15 years.
Rating: A-
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