Jefferson’s Bourbon Introduces Jefferson’s Reserve Groth Cask Finish

jefferson-grothKentucky bourbon aged in Oakville Cabernet barrels from California’s Groth Vineyards & Winery

Jefferson’s Bourbon, a collection of bourbons made in ridiculously small batches, is proud to introduce the newest blend to its portfolio: Jefferson’s Reserve Groth Cask Finish. This blend, debuting in May 2015, features Jefferson’s Reserve bourbon that was aged and fully matured in Kentucky prior to being finished in French oak barrels that once aged wine from Napa Valley’s premier winemaker, Groth Vineyards & Winery.

In a twin wood aging process, Jefferson’s Reserve bourbon was aged in new charred white oak barrels and was, then, further matured for nine months in recently dumped French Oak casks kept in “hot boxes” that once held Cabernet Sauvignon from Groth. This new finish added a lush fruit flavor, soft, supple texture and sweet vanilla character to the bourbon. Flavors of black cherry and blackberry blend with the spice of the rye and the toffee notes of the bourbon.

“When I’m not drinking bourbon, I enjoy a good Cabernet. I’d been a long-time fan of Groth’s wines, specifically the Groth Cabernet Sauvignon,” said Jefferson’s Bourbon Founder and Master Blender Trey Zoeller. “I was curious to see if I could combine the big fruit flavors of the wine with the spice of the Reserve bourbon. After sweating it out for nine months, the fruit of the wine and the spice of the bourbon balanced and complemented each other.”

Groth Vineyards & Winery owns 165 acres of Napa Valley vineyard land. Years of careful and sustainable farming techniques have ensured that the perfect grape is planted in the right location. Groth is the first American winery to be awarded 100 points by Robert Parker for the 1985 Reserve.

“An old friendship leads to a beautiful marriage of barrels and bourbon, Jefferson’s Reserve aged in Groth Cabernet barrels – brilliant,” adds Michael Weis, director of winemaking at Groth Vineyards & Winery.

Jefferson’s Bourbon constantly looks for ways to push the boundaries of the bourbon category while still paying respect to the heritage and integrity of the spirit. Jefferson’s Reserve Groth Cask Finish (ABV: 45.1%) will be available in May 2015 at select venues and retail locations both in-store and online nationwide. It will retail at $79.99.

ABOUT JEFFERSON’S BOURBON

Jefferson’s Bourbon is a collection of bourbons made in ridiculously small batches, which was founded in 1997 by Trey Zoeller and his father Chet, a famed bourbon author and historian. The two seek out new and aged barrels of bourbon from established distilleries that have perfected distilling over hundreds of years. Then they do some old-fashioned experimenting, building balance and adding complexity through different selection, agitation and environmental processes until they find the taste Jefferson’s is now known for. Trey compares his process to nature vs. nurture – the distilled product represents the bourbon in its natural state, which is then nurtured, or manipulated, by Trey to enhance the flavors, maturation and quality of the finished product.  The Jefferson’s Bourbon portfolio includes Jefferson’s, Jefferson’s Reserve, Jefferson’s Presidential Select, Jefferson’s Rye, Jefferson’s Chef’s Collaboration, Jefferson’s Ocean: Aged at Sea, Jefferson’s Reserve Groth Cask Finish, Jefferson’s & Esquire: The Manhattan. To see the whole Jefferson’s portfolio and learn more about upcoming releases, please visit www.jeffersonsbourbon.com.

ABOUT GROTH VINEYARDS & WINERY

Family owned and operated since its inception in 1982, Groth Vineyards & Winery produces ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay wines from Napa Valley and Oakville appellations.  Its estate vineyard, rooted in Oakville in the center of Napa Valley, is the prime source for the winery’s renowned Cabernet Sauvignon.  For more information, please visit www.grothwines.com.