Jefferson’s Very Small Batch Blended Bourbon Review

When you think of bourbon, you think of Kentucky. It’s the historic heartland of America’s ambrosia. The Zoeller family create a variety of expressions in this region, including a balanced blended bourbon made from four different whiskies. Discover what this does to your taste buds in this Jefferson's Very Small Batch Blended Bourbon Review.

In 1997, the distillery behind Jefferson's bourbon was opened in Louisville, Kentucky. The owners, Trey Zoeller and his father Chet, are no strangers to the water of life. Father Chet has quite a bit of knowledge about bourbon and has written books on the subject. Moreover, their family has been working with alcoholic drinks for generations (since the 18th century).

So, the Zoellers have practically been spoon-fed their passion for whiskey. The Kentucky Artisan Distillery is where the magic behind the brand happens. The duo don’t simply produce whiskey there, but dedicate their efforts to constant innovation of flavors.

In this respect, the whiskey's name is particularly apt. Jefferson's is actually a reference to Thomas Jefferson, one of the Founding Fathers and the third President of the United States. He was known for his boundless curiosity and drive to experiment. Additionally, he was said to have an exceptionally good taste.

The Zoellers certainly share the former president's curiosity and inclination to experiment. For the Jefferson's Very Small Batch expression, they don't simply use their own distilled bourbon, but blend it with three other premium straight bourbon whiskeys. Let's focus on examining the bottle and the flavor.

At first glance, the Jefferson's Very Small Batch bottle is a simple bottle without any fuss. That is, until you look closer. Next to the beautiful wooden cap, you’ll see that the front forms a whole with the back of the bottle. This isn't implemented in the shape of a label, but with a print on both sides. On the front, you find the name of the whiskey and some more information, while the back displays a family crest. This forms a sort of background for the brand name when observed through the glass of the bottle.

It's time to look beyond the bottle. The journey starts, as it does with all whiskies, to the nose, but first, we start with the eye. Bourbon is not allowed to be colored, which makes this expression's color particularly striking. The Jefferson's Very Small Batch Bourbon has an incredibly beautiful chestnut color that comes entirely from the barrel. It gives you the feeling of dealing with a mature whiskey, which isn't far from the truth. Although this is a bottle without an age statement, the bourbon consists of whiskies that are at least six years old.

And now to the nose. Jefferson's Very Small Batch Bourbon introduces itself with a predominantly sweet character. Upon first smelling it, the usual suspects such as honey, caramel, oakwood and vanilla come forward, together with notes of corn. After the whiskey has had some time to rest in the glass, there are tones of sweet plums and a fresh summer bouquet, accompanied by a spicy undertone.

In the mouth, you notice honey and vanilla straight away, just like in the nose. Along with a light prickle, hints of rye bread and apple syrup come through towards the short finish. The bourbon is predominantly sweet, making you wonder what it would do in a summery cocktail. This Jefferson's expression seems to be ideal for this with its sweet profile and short aftertaste.

The stand-out feature of the Jefferson's blended bourbon is that it's an incredibly accessible whiskey that's sweet with a touch of spices. It's thereby an ideal bourbon for those with a sweet tooth. But let's not forget about those who rarely drink whiskey, just want to enjoy a simple glass of whiskey that won't be filled all evening or, just like the distillery itself, love to experiment with drinks. Be sure to try the drink in a versatile cocktail. It seems almost certain that this expression forms a wonderful base for a sweet mix.

+ A lovely starter bourbon

+ Truly for the sweet tooth

+ The profile is perfect for cocktails

- Short aftertaste isn't for everyone