(pic by WF)
Jimmy Buffetts song Son of Sailor says:
I went out on the sea for adventure
Expanding the view of the captain and crew
Like a man just released from indenture
Jefferson's voyage 20 is the epitome of the sea. Close your eyes, imagine in your mind you are standing inside an ocean side shanty. Your first sniff of this bourbon will cement the picture and your first sip will confirm you are indeed connecting with something magical that has been aged at sea.
This is the second bottle I have had of Jeffersons Ocean, my first experience left me with an idea that I may never come back. Oh, am I glad I did. This is a must try and a must own.
Whiskey: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea - Voyage 20
Distiller: Kentucky Artisan Distillery
Review Date: 11-13-2020
Proof: 90
History: Founded in 1997 by Trey Zoeller.
More Info: From Jeffersons Website: https://jeffersonsbourbon.com/ocean-voyage-captains-log/?voyage=20
OCEAN Voyage 20 left port under clear skies and slight seas. There was a chill in the air at 45° which warmed as the sun rose above the fog bank being held off shore by an off-shore breeze. As the wind increased and the seas became moderate, the bright sun over the ocean gave it a golden glow that shimmered across the tops of the 4 foot waves and remained such all the way to the north entrance of the Panama Canal.
Traffic was light in the Canal and while the humidity was up, the temperature held to the mid 80's. Pulling away from the locks at Balboa and entering the Pacific Ocean, the typhoon season was already three months under way. A season unlike the Atlantic Hurricane season that extends over a 6-7 month period, typhoons in the Pacific can occur at any time throughout the year.
OCEAN Voyage 20 was headed south towards the Equator and the storm activity was well to the north. Crossing the Equator, the seasons switched from spring to autumn. Seas were slight, skies were clear, the temperature remained a balmy 85° and the ocean continued to sparkle like liquid gold. With the exception of a rough spot during our run between Melbourne and Fremantle, Voyage 20 had smooth sailing up and around the Pacific Rim, back through the Caribbean, up the east coast of the U.S. and in and out of the North Atlantic. As we docked at 7:40 A.M. in Savannah, the sun had risen over a still and golden sea; just as it had upon departure. Steady temperatures and gentle seas had a mellowing effect on the crew and the Bourbon of OCEAN Voyage 20 and you can experience its golden glow neat or shimmering over an ice cube or two.
Wes Notes:
Nose: Salt and Vanilla with hint of smoke. It has a very unique nose that takes me directly to the ocean.
Taste: Heavy brine, caramel, vanilla and a bit more of the smoke
Finish: Sweet finish with little burn
Recommendation: Go buy this bourbon! 5 of 5 barrels