Sips & Sites & Bites

Jefferson’s is consistently engaged in the art of experimentation, pushing boundaries in blending, aging, and finishing methods to create unparalleled flavor profiles.

Their latest release marks the zenith of founder Trey Zoeller’s relentless pursuit to delve deeper into distinctive maturation techniques and environments.

Building upon the triumph of the pioneering Ocean Aged at Sea Voyage Series, Zoeller became increasingly convinced that climate could wield a more profound influence on the maturation process than even the mashbill or the barrel itself. This conviction drove him to seek out fresh and captivating climatic conditions to explore further. However, the first step was finding the right location.

“After taking barrels to many different locations, it was evident that the hot and humid climates had such a positive impact on the bourbon,” Zoeller said. “So, when homing in on a location to age our first Jefferson’s Tropics Aged in Humidity release, we knew we needed to be near the equator, where the heat and humidity would be year-round and intense.”

He said Singapore was one of his “bucket list travel destinations,” and was “absolutely perfect for this experiment.”

“The result is a remarkable bourbon, one that further reinforces my belief that terroir for whiskey comes from the environment that the bourbon matures in rather than the ground from which the grains are grown,” Zoeller said. “The Jefferson’s Tropics Aged in Humidity series embodies the result of this with its richness and complexity.”

The process of crafting this exceptional liquid was nothing short of an adventurous odyssey. In July 2019, the journey commenced as nine containers, collectively capable of holding 720 barrels of fully matured Kentucky straight bourbon, embarked on an ocean voyage bound for Singapore. This marked the inception of an extraordinary expedition.

Upon reaching the shores of Singapore, these barrels endured the rigors of the region’s intense heat and humidity for a remarkable 18-month period. The outcome of this exposure is a bourbon that embodies a profound caramelization and an infusion of rich flavors. The elevated temperatures effectively facilitated a gradual caramelization of the sugars within the wood, imparting a unique character to the spirit.

In March, the containers returned to their Kentucky origins, where they fell under the discerning evaluation of Zoeller. Here, he meticulously assessed and handpicked the optimal flavor profile and proof point. The result is a harmonious blend of bourbon, characterized by an enticing bouquet of aromatic baking spices on the nose, accompanied by discernible notes of Bing cherry, toffee, and a subtle hint of sea salt. This bourbon culminates in a long-lasting, textured, and full-bodied finish.

Jefferson’s Tropics Aged in Humidity is a limited-edition bourbon that has been fully matured in a humid environment. This unique aging process gives the bourbon a complex flavor profile with notes of tropical fruits, vanilla, and oak.

The bourbon clocks in at 52% ABV and is now available at fine spirits retailers and restaurants and bars across the U.S. It has a suggested retail price of $99.99 for a 750ml bottle.

For more information, check out https://jeffersonsbourbon.com/jeffersons-tropics-bourbon.