Jefferson's Bourbon Jefferson's Very Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey NV 750ml

The whiskey’s formula has been improved, and now consists of a higher percentage of older whiskies (into the high teens) than the original release (which I rated 81). Nicely balanced, with candied fruit, blackberry jam, soft vanilla, kettle corn, and a kiss of mint. Pleasant, unpretentious, and uncomplicated.

This small batch bourbon is complex and fragrant on the nose, with spices, fudge, oranges and honey. Medium-bodied with a slightly dry opening, the oily palate sweetens with developing vanilla, cocoa and lightly charred oak notes.

McLain & Kyne is a company whose founders have roots in the bourbon industry dating back to the late 18th century. They specialize in “very small batch” bourbons, bottled from a blend of 8–12 barrels of various ages (compared to the 200 or more used in a typical small batch bottling). This bottling uses barrels selected by the Premier Group. It’s complex and fragrant on the nose, with an oily palate that sweetens with notes of vanilla, cocoa and lightly charred oak.