Jefferson's

Jefferson's Distillery

Region
  • USA, Kentucky
Awards
  • Jefferson’s Small Batch Bourbon and Jefferson’s Reserve, Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon
Website
  • https://jeffersonsbourbon.com/
Phone Number
  • +15028223042
Address
  • 6230 Old Lagrange Rd, Crestwood, KY 40014

Kentucky Artisan Distillery building with Jefferson's Bourbon sign

History of Jefferson’s Bourbon

Jefferson’s Bourbon, founded in 1997, is the creation of Trey Zoeller and his father Chet, a renowned bourbon historian.

The distillery has a rich history, with Trey’s 8th generation grandmother being arrested in 1799 for producing and selling spirits. Located at the Kentucky Artisan Distillery (KAD), Jefferson’s Bourbon is known for its innovative approaches to whiskey-making.

This includes unique maturation techniques like the Barrel Aged Manhattan, Wine Cask Finishes, Wood Experiments, and Rum Cask Finishes. KAD is the central hub for distilling, blending, and bottling Jefferson’s special bourbon whiskey releases.

Visitors can explore Jefferson’s range of bourbons and get a behind-the-scenes look at a working bourbon whiskey distillery.

To provide a comprehensive history of the distillery, it’s important to note the following key points:

  • Founding Date and Founder: Jefferson’s Bourbon was established in 1997 by Trey Zoeller and his father, Chet.
  • Types of Whiskey: The distillery is known for its innovative whiskey products, including the Barrel Aged Manhattan, Wine Cask Finishes, Wood Experiments, and Rum Cask Finishes.
  • Innovative Maturation Techniques: Jefferson’s Bourbon employs unique aging and finishing processes to create distinct flavors in their whiskey.
  • Location and Operations: The Kentucky Artisan Distillery is the heart of Jefferson’s Bourbon, where all distilling, blending, and bottling processes occur.
  • Visitor Experience: The distillery offers tours and tastings, allowing visitors to learn about bourbon production and sample their range of products.

This history reflects the distillery’s commitment to innovation and bourbon-making tradition, rooted in a family legacy that dates back to the late 18th century.

Awards Won by Jefferson’s Bourbon

  • Jefferson’s Small Batch Bourbon and Jefferson’s Reserve: These two expressions were highly rated by the Beverage Tasting Institute in 2012, with Jefferson’s Small Batch Bourbon receiving a score of 92 and Jefferson’s Reserve receiving a score of 94​​.
  • Jefferson’s Rye: In 2012, this product also received a score of 92 from Wine Enthusiast​​.
  • Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon: This unique whiskey, known for its aging process on ships traveling around the world, earned a score of 93 points at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge​​.

Jefferson’s Bourbon Tour Information and Experience

The tour experience at Jefferson’s Bourbon, offered at the Kentucky Artisan Distillery (KAD), provides a comprehensive look into the art of distilling. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Tour Schedule: The tours are available Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and on Sundays from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Note that the last tour starts one hour before closing.
  • Tour Pricing: The cost for adults is $12.00, while active military, veterans, and first responders can avail of the tour at $6.00. Children can join the tour at no charge.
  • Tour Features: During the tour, you will experience the entire bourbon-making process. This includes seeing the laboratory, malting room, milling area, distillery, bottling room, and tasting room. The tours are designed to be interactive, allowing guests to engage with the distillers and learn about the bourbon-making process up close.
  • Tasting Experience: The tour includes tastings of various products made at KAD. The selection for tasting changes daily, so it’s recommended to call ahead to know what’s on offer.
  • Gift Shop: The distillery also features a gift shop where you can purchase bourbon-themed souvenirs, apparel, and, of course, bottles of Jefferson’s Bourbon.
  • Safety and Accessibility: Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety as the tour takes guests through the working distillery. The distillery is equipped to handle guests with disabilities, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience for everyone.
  • Reservations: While walk-ins are welcome, it is recommended to make reservations due to limited tour space. Reservations can be made online or over the phone.
  • Location and Contact: The distillery is located at 6230 Old LaGrange Road, Crestwood, KY 40014. For more information or to make reservations, you can contact them at 502-822-3042, ext. 2.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into bourbon making and discover the story behind Jefferson’s Bourbon. For further details and to book your tour, visit their official websites at Jefferson’s Bourbon and Kentucky Artisan Distillery.

Flask & Barrel Review of Jefferson’s Bourbon

As someone who’s seen their fair share of distilleries, I reckon I’ve got a good handle on what makes a great bourbon. So, when it comes to Jefferson’s Bourbon, I’d happily give it a solid 4.7 out of 5.

Now, let me break it down for you. The first thing that grabs you about Jefferson’s is the sheer variety they’ve got going on.

Their line-up isn’t just your run-of-the-mill bourbon; they’ve got some real innovative stuff. Take their Ocean Aged at Sea, for instance. Aging bourbon on a ship, travelling around the world? That’s not something you see every day, and trust me, it adds a unique twist to the flavour profile.

Speaking of flavour, Jefferson’s hits the sweet spot between complexity and drinkability. It’s got that classic bourbon warmth but with layers of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice that sings. Whether sipping it neat or mixing it up in a cocktail, it holds its own beautifully.

The distillery tour itself is a treat. It’s not just a walk-through; it’s an experience. You get to see the nitty-gritty of bourbon making; the folks there are passionate and knowledgeable. They make you feel right at home, and the tasting session? Well, that’s the cherry on top.

If I had to nitpick, and I mean search for something, I’d say the only thing keeping this from a full 5/5 is maybe the availability of some of their more experimental batches.

Sometimes, you hear about a fantastic new release, but getting your hands on a bottle can be a bit of a hunt.

In summary, Jefferson’s Bourbon isn’t just another whiskey on the shelf; it’s a testament to innovation in the bourbon world. For any whiskey enthusiast, I’d say it’s a must-try.

It’s a bourbon that respects tradition but isn’t afraid to shake things up, and I reckon that’s what makes it stand out.

What To Do Nearby Jefferson’s Bourbon

  • Explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Dive into the rich bourbon heritage and visit multiple distilleries, each with its unique story and flavor profile.
  • Tour Other Distilleries: Check out nearby distilleries like Michter’s, Old Forester, and Bulleit for additional tours and tastings.
  • Visit Four Roses Distillery: Known for its romantic backstory and 10 distinct bourbon recipes, Four Roses offers a delightful experience in Lawrenceburg.
  • Woodford Reserve Distillery: Located in the charming town of Versailles, Woodford Reserve is a premium bourbon brand offering several tour options in a beautiful setting.
  • Jim Beam Distillery: Discover the history of this iconic bourbon brand in Clermont, Kentucky, known for its smooth spirit and rich heritage.
  • Maker’s Mark Experience: Explore the unique qualities of Maker’s Mark in Loretto, including its distinct red winter wheat composition and the iconic red wax bottle seal.
  • Heaven Hill Distillery: As the world’s largest independent, family-owned distillery, Heaven Hill offers a deep dive into bourbon history and production.
  • Sip at Local Bourbon Bars: The region boasts numerous bourbon bars where you can sample a variety of bourbon brands and cocktails.
  • Kentucky River Tours in Frankfort: Take a unique boat tour to learn about the Kentucky River’s impact on bourbon history, featuring several different tour options.
  • Cultural and Culinary Experiences: Immerse yourself in local culture with diverse culinary offerings, including traditional Kentucky fare and bourbon-infused dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Jefferson’s Bourbon?

Waffle House: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15022228159. Their address is 1001 New Moody Ln, Crestwood, KY.

Crestwood Bistro: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15023849191. Their address is 6461 KY-146, Crestwood, KY.

One Nineteen West Main: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15022221246. Their address is 119 W Main St, La Grange, KY 40031.

What hotels are near Jefferson’s Bourbon?

Hampton Inn Louisville-Northeast: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, their contact number is +15023278880, and their address is 4100 Hampton Lake Way, Louisville, KY 40241.

Holiday Inn Express Louisville Northeast, an IHG Hotel: This hotel has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. You can make reservations by calling them at +15022651816. Their address is 1150 Commerce Pkwy, La Grange, KY 40031.

Best Western Ashbury Inn: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15022225500. Their address is 1005 New Moody Ln, La Grange, KY 40031.