Style: Blended straight bourbon whiskey
Age: No age statement
Proof: 102 (51% ABV)
Region: Kentucky, Tennessee
With their newest release, Jefferson’s pays tribute to one of the early pioneers of American whiskey – Marian McLain. McLain was an early distiller who found her way into the history books for being one of the first women arrested for bootlegging whiskey shortly after the Revolutionary War. A good story always helps pique interest when it comes to spirits, but this tale also has a personal touch to it. Trey Zoeller, the founder of Jefferson’s Bourbon, is a direct descendant of Marian McLain and carries on her legacy today – this time on the right side of the law.
To honor her memory, the team at Jefferson’s created a blend of 21% 14-Year-Old Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey; 40% 11-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; 14% Wheated Double-Barrel; 17% Rum Cask Finish; 8% 8 Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey to create a premium bourbon worthy of honoring one of the pioneers of women in whiskey.
Tasting notes
Jefferson’s Marian McLain has a classic bourbon aroma of vanilla, red apple, caramel, and orange peel. The whiskey has a luscious mouthfeel that fills the palate with flavors of vanilla, toffee, dark cherry, dried apricot, and the classic note of baking spice.
Due to the thickness of the whiskey, the finish is quite long and buttery. It coats the mouth and tongue with a quick burst of orange zest and cinnamon but it quickly softens into a lingering salted caramel-like flavor.
Final thoughts
Were Marian McClain around today to taste this bourbon, there’s little question she would be impressed. It’s expertly blended in a way where no single flavor note dominates, and at every point, while sipping, new flavors are found.
The highlight is the viscosity – this bourbon has a surprisingly long and present finish. Instead of going quickly for another sip, allow the Jefferson’s Marian McClain to linger and enjoy.
