Jefferson's Whiskey

About Jefferson's

Jefferson's Bourbon was founded over 15 years ago by Trey Zoeller and his father Chet, a noted bourbon historian, and is named after Thomas Jefferson as a tribute to his scientific, experimental mind. The brand is crafted through skilled blending of selected barrels of varying ages into four core products, while Trey has also conducted extreme experiments outside the core range, including Jefferson's Ocean, where the bourbon matured for four years aboard a research vessel. Collectors chase precisely these experimental releases, while newcomers meet a consistent, well-balanced "small batch" bourbon.

History & Background

Chet Zoeller had spent a lifetime studying and writing about bourbon's history when he and his son Trey decided to start their own brand and name it after Thomas Jefferson, one of America's most complex and scientifically curious founding fathers. Trey, who had worked in the wine industry, applied his blending expertise to create consistent flavour profiles across barrels of different ages, a method inspired by the wine world's approach to assemblage. The most notable experiment came in 2012 with Jefferson's Ocean, in which barrels were sent on a four-year sea voyage to test how constant motion and shifting temperatures affect whiskey maturation, a trial that has since been repeated several times.

History & Background

There is not much publicly available history on Jefferson's, and the house keeps a relatively low profile about its origins. What is clear is its position in the range, reflected in the style and character described above.

Production & Style

The bourbon is assembled from selected barrels and often further finished, including through the motion and temperature shifts of a sea voyage.

Signature Style

Sweet, Spicy, Maritime
The bourbon offers a sweet, spicy character, in certain releases with a light maritime finish.

Facts

Did you know?

For a whiskey to be called bourbon, US law requires it to be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels.

Like Jefferson's? You should also try:

Jack Daniel's, Jim Beam and Willett.