Jefferson’s Ocean is a unique and special bourbon that undergoes a one-of-a-kind aging process. It gets its name from the fact that it is aged at sea, aboard ships that travel around the world. The idea behind this aging method is to expose the bourbon to the constant motion and changing climate conditions of the ocean, which is believed to enhance the flavor and character of the whiskey.
The journey of Jefferson’s Ocean begins at Kentucky Artisan Distillery (KAD) in Crestwood, Kentucky. KAD is a small-batch craft distillery that focuses on producing high-quality spirits. It is here that Jefferson’s partners with KAD to bottle and batch many of their products, including Jefferson’s Ocean.
Once the bourbon is distilled and aged for a period of time at KAD, it is then transferred to barrels and loaded onto ships. These ships are specifically chosen for their ability to withstand the rigorous conditions of the ocean and ensure the safety of the barrels.
During the aging process, the bourbon barrels are constantly in motion as the ships sail across various bodies of water, including the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The constant rocking and swaying of the ships, combined with the sea air and fluctuating temperatures, contribute to the unique maturation of Jefferson’s Ocean.
After several months or even years at sea, the barrels are brought back to land, where they are unloaded and transported back to KAD. There, the bourbon is carefully sampled and evaluated to determine the optimal time for bottling.
It is important to note that not all Jefferson’s Ocean releases are aged for the same duration or on the same ships. Each release is unique, with different aging profiles and flavor characteristics. This allows whiskey enthusiasts to explore and compare the various expressions of Jefferson’s Ocean.
The partnership between Jefferson’s and Kentucky Artisan Distillery has been instrumental in the production and aging of Jefferson’s Ocean. Without KAD’s expertise and facilities, the innovative concept of aging bourbon at sea would not have been possible.
Jefferson’s Ocean is a bourbon that undergoes a unique aging process at sea. It starts its journey at Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Crestwood, Kentucky, where it is distilled and initially aged. The bourbon is then loaded onto ships and travels across the oceans, experiencing the constant motion and changing climate conditions. after months or years at sea, the barrels are brought back to KAD for evaluation and bottling. This partnership between Jefferson’s and KAD has allowed for the creation of this distinctive and adventurous bourbon.