Jefferson’s Bourbon has just introduced a new expression to its portfolio: Jefferson’s Reserve Groth Cask Finish, a bourbon that was aged in new American white oak barrels in Kentucky prior to being finished for nine months in French oak barrels that once held Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s Groth Vineyards & Winery.

This wine-cask finish adds lush fruit flavors and soft, supple textures to the bourbon.

“When I’m not drinking bourbon, I enjoy a good Cabernet. I’d been a long-time fan of Groth’s wines, specifically the Groth Cabernet Sauvignon,” said Jefferson’s Bourbon Founder and Master Blender Trey Zoeller. “I was curious to see if I could combine the big fruit flavors of the wine with the spice of the Reserve bourbon. After sweating it out for nine months, the fruit of the wine and the spice of the bourbon balanced and complemented each other.”

We agree.

TASTING NOTES

On the nose, Jefferson’s Reserve Groth Cask Finish is full of fruit, oak and vanilla. It’s rich and potent. Take a sip, and the fruit really shines, with lots of grape tannins and dark cherries standing out among other flavors like cinnamon spice and a notable kick of red pepper. It’s full-bodied and almost chewy on the palate, with a finish that’s long and dry with lingering notes of lush, red fruits.

This is an unabashedly flavorful whiskey with a lot going on. The blend of fruit, spice and oak with subtle sweetness is a fine combination, and you can taste actual red wine notes pulled from the barrels. With its Groth Cask Finish bourbon, Jefferson’s is taking it a step beyond most wine-finished whiskeys. They aren’t playing it safe, and we appreciate that.

Stats:
– 45.1% ABV
– $79.99

CE Rating: ★★★★

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