Jefferson’s Cognac Finished Rye

My Price: $69.99

Country/Area: Kentucky, USA

Distillery: Bottled by McLain and Kyne

Proof/ABV: 94 Proof/ 47% ABV

Mash Bill: Not disclosed (at least 51% rye by law)

Barrel: New American Oak finished in French Cognac Casks

Age: NAS (at least 2 years old (straight rye) and 9-19 months in finishing casks)

Nose: Caramel, Tangerine, Cream

Taste: Crème Brulé, Rye Spice, Citrus

Review: Although I am often annoyed by how little transparency there is in offerings from Jefferson’s (they don’t tend to disclose mash bills, distilleries or ages) I am a big fan of many of their offerings. Although I am typically a bourbon drinker my second favorite whiskey is rye. I love the spice and sweetness along with the occasional licorice and black tea notes. The Cognac Finished Rye from Jefferson’s spends 9-19 months in Cognac casks before being bottled at 94 proof. This seems to be a sweet spot for flavor and burn. It is an easy drinker and the addition of cream and fruit notes (mostly orange) are welcome additions and likely there thanks to the Cognac finish. When mixed into an old fashioned or whiskey sour it really stands out.

My Rating: Stock it! It is unique and easy to drink.

May the miles you hike be filled with wonder and the glasses you raise be filled with whiskey.

Cheers!

Rating scale:

-Spit: Don’t bother with this one. If a friend gives you a dram of it, are they even your friend?

-Shoot: Good enough to get you drunk.

-Sip: Tasty enough to enjoy neat or on the rocks.

-Stock: I’d recommend keeping a bottle on hand.