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Jefferson’s Presidential Select 16 Year Old Review

In Bourbon Whiskey Reviews by Matt EvansLeave a Comment

The resulting product retains the bright notes found in a classic bourbon but adds a depth of flavor and complexity that can be gained only through long years of extra aging in new barrels. Jefferson's
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Jefferson’s Presidential Select 16 Year Old Bourbon

  • DISTILLER: Unknown; Jefferson's is an NDP.
  • MASH BILL: Undisclosed but it is known to be a high rye mash bill
  • AGE: 16 years; 11 years in barrel #1 and 5 years in barrel #2
  • YEAR: 2017
  • PROOF: 94 (47% ABV)
  • MSRP: $199.00
NOSE: Caramel  |  Vanilla  |  Baking Spice  |  Toasted Sugar  |  Candy TASTE: Caramel  |  Baking Spices | Buttery Toffee | Hint of Caramelized sugar FINISH: Full, robust flavor with a smooth coating on the tongue. The dry finish is strong with a brilliant and complex spice that is more sweet than peppery. The Kentucky Hug is warm but not burning. SHARE WITH: Share this one with bourbon drinkers who enjoy a rich flavor profile and appreciate all the nuances of an older bourbon. I will say that for a 16-year-old bourbon the expected heavier oak presence is happily missing. WORTH THE PRICE: The MSRP is $199 with roughly only 10,000 bottles being filled. You may not like the price, but I’m pretty sure it will not sit on shelves. BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: As one who generally stays away from bourbon in this price range, I would not hesitate to pull the trigger if the opportunity arises. Furthermore, it is a bottle that I would proudly display on my antique bar. OVERALL: With a Straight Kentucky Bourbon label and a 16 year age statement the latest release from Jefferson’s is sourced from one of Kentucky’s bigger, established distilleries. The first Presidential release in several years, this is an 11-year bourbon aged in #3 charred barrels then dumped for a second barreling, again in #3 charred barrels, to mature for another five years. Personally, I have always been lukewarm on Jefferson’s bourbon line-up; some I thought were great, and some were ho-hum. I know they have done some interesting and different things to help set themselves apart from standard offerings -  I would just like a little more transparency. However, after sampling Jefferson’s Presidential 16 Twin Oak, I must say that I found the juice to be very solid; so much so, that I may have to go back and try other expressions with a different mindset. Learn more about Matt's whiskey preferences and check out more of his reviews...

Jefferson's Presidential Select 16 Year Twin Oak Bourbon Background Info

November 2, 2017, New York, NY - Jefferson’s Bourbon, a collection of bourbons made in small batches, is proud to introduce the newest expression to its portfolio: Jefferson’s Presidential Select 16 Year Old. This exceptionally rare expression of Jefferson’s Bourbon, a tribute to the brand’s namesake, Thomas Jefferson, will be released nationally on November 2nd.

Jefferson’s Bourbon is dedicated to delivering only the finest bourbon in small batches, and Jefferson’s Presidential Select is no different as it will be bottled in extremely limited quantity: Only 10,000 bottles have been produced worldwide for this release. This product is poised to be a collectable classic, following in the footsteps of the original Jefferson’s Presidential Select, a top product among bourbon lovers and enthusiasts alike.                                                                           

As with several other coveted products in the Jefferson’s portfolio, Jefferson’s Presidential Select 16 Year Old underwent a unique aging process. The bourbon, which started as a straight Kentucky Bourbon whiskey, was first fully matured for 10 years in new American Oak casks. From there, the bourbon was aged for an additional six years in fresh casks. The resulting product retains the bright notes found in a classic bourbon but adds a depth of flavor and complexity that can be gained only through long years of extra aging in new barrels. Tasting notes for the Jefferson’s Presidential Select 16 Year Old include an orange spice and vanilla aroma, with hints of  tobacco, leather and spice, and warm molasses on the finish.

Disclaimer: Jefferson's provided Bourbon & Banter with a sample of their product for this review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Matt Evans
Sr. Contributor | Bourbon & Banter

Born and raised in Newport Beach, California, Matt Evans married a native Kentuckian and has called Louisville home since 2007 – after stops in Washington D.C. and Durango, CO. His love affair with bourbon started as an attempt to learn more about his adopted hometown (and get in good with his in-laws!); the pursuit has developed into a full blown passion. Through the Stave and Thief Society, Matt is certified as an Executive Bourbon Steward. He has certifications from the Filson Historical Society’s Bourbon Academy and the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Academy. He also has served as Master Distiller for-a-day at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience under the tutelage of Artisanal Distiller Charlie Downs.Matt’s day job is instructing 7th grade World Geography, and he is the proud father of two daughters. During the summer, Matt teaches bourbon history courses at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York state. Read Matt's full profile.

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About the Author
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Born and raised in Newport Beach, California, Matt Evans married a native Kentuckian and has called Louisville home since 2007 – after stops in Washington D.C. and Durango, CO. His love affair with bourbon started as an attempt to learn more about his adopted hometown (and get in good with his in-laws!); the pursuit has developed into a full blown passion. Through the Stave and Thief Society, Matt is certified as an Executive Bourbon Steward. He has certifications from the Filson Historical Society’s Bourbon Academy and the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Academy. He also has served as Master Distiller for-a-day at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience under the tutelage of Artisanal Distiller Charlie Downs.Matt’s day job is instructing 7th grade World Geography, and he is the proud father of two daughters. During the summer, Matt teaches bourbon history courses at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York state. Read Matt's full profile.