Jefferson’s Reserve Review

In addition to Jefferson’s Reserve, McLain & Kyne bottles several varieties of bourbon and rye including Jefferson’s, Jefferson’s Presidential Select, Jefferson’s Straight Rye Whiskey, Jefferson’s Ocean, and Jefferson’s Chef’s Collaboration.

The bottle is fairly minimalistic with a script font that harkens to a colonial time and a small graphic of Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, below. The labeling includes the inscription of “Very Old” and “Very Small Batch.” I understand their small batch approach is a combination of a small number of barrels, as opposed to several hundred as other small batch bourbons may blend.

I found an an overall lightness to Jefferson’s Reserve in the glass. Medium in color and fairly benign on the nose, it’s also light on the palate. At 90 proof, it starts mellow and creamy, heats up fast, then finishes quickly. There’s a sweetness with notes of vanilla and peach, but also spicy flavors of oak and pepper. The complexity is actually pretty interesting.

Although, I typically like a heavier bourbon, I have an appreciation for Jefferson’s Reserve. It’s smooth, balanced, and flavorful. I would buy it again and would not hesitate to recommend it.