Jefferson's Rye Whiskey
Jefferson's Rye Whiskey is a 47% ABV (94 proof), 750mL Kentucky straight rye whiskey double-barreled for 9 to 19 months in hand-selected cognac casks — Jefferson's signature experiment in maturation, available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 47% (94 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Finish: Cognac casks, 9–19 months (double-barreled)
- Style: Kentucky straight rye whiskey
- Producer: Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Crestwood, Kentucky
- Brand: Founded 1997 by Trey Zoeller and his father Chet
Rye Spice, Seen Through a Cognac Lens
"I wanted to look at rye through a new lens and elevate it past the supporting role it's commonly associated with," says founder Trey Zoeller — so Jefferson's takes its straight rye and finishes it in cognac casks for at least nine months. The cognac adds complexity to the rye's spice and replaces the typical dry rye finish with something thicker and sweeter. Explore the Jefferson's collection, more rye whiskey, and the full whiskey range.
Tasting Notes
Rich rye spice meets delicate fruit and oak on the nose; smooth and full-bodied on the palate with layers of honey, orange and warm baking spices; a velvety finish of lingering sweetness in place of rye's usual dryness.
How to Enjoy
A true sipping rye — neat or over a large cube. It also makes a plush Manhattan, the cognac finish doing the work of a richer vermouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Jefferson's Rye different? It is double-barreled: after initial ageing it is finished in cognac casks for 9 to 19 months, adding honeyed fruit depth to the rye spice.
What proof is it? 94 proof (47% ABV) — higher than most Jefferson's releases, which are typically bottled at 90.2 proof.
Who founded Jefferson's? Trey Zoeller and his father Chet, a bourbon historian, in 1997 — named for Thomas Jefferson's curiosity and experimental spirit.
What size is the bottle? 750mL.
Cognac-finished rye with a honeyed streak — pick up Jefferson's Rye online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.