Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) Announces Jefferson's Reserve and Ocean - Available 9am on October 11 (updated)

10-09-2019 - This post has been updated to reflect that the Jefferson's Ocean is not barrell strength.

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced a limited release of two Jefferson's single barrel products. The release will start on October 11th at 9am at select stores (list below). The State Liquor Control worked with Master Blender Trey Zoeller to choose the selections of Jefferson's Reserve and Ocean Reserve 17 specifically for Ohio.

The Jefferson's Reserve will be sold for $49.99 + tax for a 750ml bottle. The State has 590 bottles available with most stores getting a decent amount. It comes in at 90.2 proof (45.1% alcohol) and each barrel has unique tasting notes.

K-28
Nose: Spicy with hints of black pepper
Taste: Oak
Finish: Vanilla

K-29
Nose: Vanilla
Taste: Toasted oak
Finish: Brown sugar

K-30
Nose: Caramel, vanilla, and green apple
Taste: Toasted oak
Finish: Oak

The Jefferson's Ocean Reserve 17 will be sold for $50.24 for a 750ml bottle. The state has 432 bottles and each store is allocated 54 bottles. The alcohol content comes it at 90.2 proof (45.1% alcohol) and offers the following tasting notes:

B17-22 
Nose: Brown sugar and oak
Taste: Vanilla and deep caramel
Finish: N/a

B17-23
Nose: Caramel and oak
Taste: Salt and caramel
Finish: N/a

Our Take

I haven't had much Jefferson's in my life, but I did buy a bottle of their 4th voyage and published a review in April where it scored a less than impressive 64/100. I love the idea of throwing barrels of bourbon on a boat that travels the globe. In theory, the waves should force the bourbon to interact more with the barrel and the temperature and pressure fluctuations should bring out fun and unique flavors. In practice, I don't feel that the ocean voyages are worth the money. It's a fun gimmick, but for that kind of money, I'd much rather get a nice bottle that is more consistent.

If you're a huge Jefferson fan, I'd recommend picking up the Reserve if you are near any of the stores that received more than 90 bottles. Otherwise, you're going to need to get to the store super early to get your hands on one.

If you do score a bottle of either, drop a note in the comments with your experience.

Locations (alphabetical by city)

Acme 
3979 Medina Rd., Akron
48 Bottles – Reserve #K-29   
54 Bottles – Ocean V17 #B17-23

Northwest Wine and Spirits     
821 Bethel Rd., Columbus         
102 Bottles – Reserve #K-28 
54 Bottles – Ocean V17 #B17-22

Giant Eagle     
1250 North Hamilton Rd., Gahanna       
94 Bottles – Reserve #K-30   
54 Bottles – Ocean V17 #B17-22

Kettering Wine & Spirits
1218 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering   
108 Bottles – Reserve #K-28
54 Bottles – Ocean V17 #B17-22

Spirits of Madeira         
6917-19 Miami Ave., Madeira 
94 Bottles – Reserve #K-30 
54 Bottles – Ocean V17 #B17-22

World Wines & Liquor 
8760 Mentor Ave., Mentor
48 Bottles – Reserve #K-29   
54 Bottles – Ocean V17 #B17-23
         
Marino's Beverage Depot         
5829 C Monroe St., Sylvania     
48 Bottles – Reserve #K-29   
54 Bottles – Ocean V17 #B17-23

Wine Cellar     
105 S. Meridian Rd., Youngstown
48 Bottles – Reserve #K-29   
54 Bottles – Ocean V17 #B17-23


Source: OHLQ