Twin Oak is Jefferson's working on the barrel itself rather than on what was in it before. Most finishing programmes borrow a cask that previously held wine, sherry or another spirit and let the residue do the work. This one does something different: Jefferson's commissioned a custom designed wave barrel, built with proprietary flash charred, toasted grooved staves. The grooves are the point. A conventional barrel stave is flat, so the liquid only ever touches a smooth interior surface; cutting a wave profile into the wood substantially increases the surface area, which means more bourbon is in contact with more oak at any given moment. Fully matured Kentucky straight bourbon is then transferred into these barrels for a second maturation, making this a genuinely double barreled whiskey rather than a finished one. The result the distillery is after is seasoning rather than transformation, and that is what comes through: the extra oak contact deepens the caramel and vanilla and adds a layer of toasted wood and baking spice without the tannic grip a wine cask would bring, and the whole thing lands smooth and well balanced rather than heavy. Expect caramel, vanilla and toasted oak on the nose, then a rounded palate of butterscotch, dark fruit and cinnamon over a firm oak base, closing warm and long. Bottled at 45.1 percent alcohol by volume, or 90.2 proof, and carrying the whiskey maker's signature on the front label. Neat or over a large cube, and a solid Old Fashioned base where the toasted oak does real work.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
45.1% |
| Proof |
90.2 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Brand |
Jefferson's Reserve |
| Whiskey Maker |
Trey Zoeller |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Expression |
Twin Oak Custom Barrel |
| Second Maturation |
Custom designed wave barrel with flash charred, toasted grooved staves |
| Style |
Double barreled |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep burnished amber.
Nose: Caramel and vanilla lead, with toasted oak and warm baking spice behind.
Palate: Rounded and seasoned. Butterscotch and dark fruit carry cinnamon and nutmeg over a firm oak base.
Finish: Warm and long, smooth and well balanced, closing on toasted wood and gentle spice.
FAQ
Q: What is the wave barrel?
A: A custom designed barrel built with flash charred, toasted grooved staves. The grooves increase the interior surface area so more bourbon contacts the oak during the second maturation.
Q: Is this a cask finish?
A: Not in the usual sense. Rather than reusing a cask that held wine or another spirit, fully matured bourbon is transferred into new custom built barrels, making it a double barreled whiskey.
Q: How old is it?
A: There is no age statement. The label describes the bourbon as fully mature before the second maturation.
Q: What proof is it?
A: 90.2 proof, which is 45.1 percent alcohol by volume.
Q: How does it compare to a wine cask finished bourbon?
A: The extra oak contact deepens caramel, vanilla and toasted wood character without adding the fruit or tannic grip a wine cask contributes.
Q: Where can I buy Jefferson's Reserve Twin Oak online?
A: Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
