Jefferson’s Ocean Aged Bourbon

These early photos of Jefferson's Ocean Aged Bourbon released to BourbonBlog.com before any official packaging show how dark the colors have become at only 4 years old from the ocean aging compared next to Jefferson's Small Batch Bourbon which is 8 years in age

Castle Brands Inc tells BourbonBlog.com that they will introduce Jefferson’s Ocean-Aged Bourbon, the latest addition to the Jefferson’s Bourbon line of “Ridiculously Small Batch” whiskies. Jefferson’s Ocean-Aged Bourbon is blended in Kentucky, aged in barrels for almost four years on a 126-foot research vessel and bottled at a robust 88 proof (44% ABV). It will be available in the limited quantity of only 600 bottles. Jefferson’s Ocean-Aged Bourbon will be priced at $90 for a 750ml bottle and is available for purchase at fine spirits retailers across the country.

This is the first ever “ocean-aged” bourbon we’ve ever heard about and likely the first ever in the history of bourbon.

This blend is inspired by the sheer curiosity of what effects temperature changes, salt air and continuous rocking of the sea would have on bourbon’s aging process. The ocean’s conditions allowed the whiskey to mature faster, producing a dark and rich bourbon that rivals whiskeys aged for nineteen years. There are only 600 bottles of this rare bourbon available which will release nationally.

“We wanted to attempt something that has never been done before,” Jefferson’s founder and master blender Trey Zoeller explains to BourbonBlog.com. “By taking our signature ‘Ridiculously Small Batch’ blending process and allowing nature to take its course, we’ve developed full-bodied bourbon that has weathered the elements and is comparable with bourbons aged for much longer.”

Trey Zoeller, founder and master blender of Jefferson’s Bourbon, stands atop the barrels of bourbon which have been "ocean-aged" for 4 years

The 126-foot research vessel used to age the bourbon belongs to Zoeller’s good friend and well-known personality in outdoor television and conservation circles, Chris Fischer. Fischer founded OCEARCH, a non-profit organization which promotes sustainable fisheries management; protects and encourages sportfishing access as a key catalyst of conservation; supports efforts to identify, reduce, and prevent the occurrence of marine debris; and advances ocean research and
education.

The research done by OCEARCH can be seen on the National Geographic Channel’s hit series “Shark Men,” which chronicles a team of scientists and anglers on a Great White Shark research mission, led by Fischer. Over the course of six expeditions, the team caught, tagged and released 23 white sharks, resulting in a total revision of the species’ lifecycle theory in the eastern Pacific.

Proceeds from Jefferson’s Ocean-Aged Bourbon will go to support OCEARCH.

We will have a review of this Jefferson’s Ocean Aged Bourbon coming soon here on BourbonBlog.com.

Trey Zoeller removes the barrels from the boat which has been aged the Jefferson's Ocean Aged Bourbon