Jefferson Suduiraut Sauterne Finish Bourbon (750mL)

Thomas Jefferson, our third president, was a wine aficionado. He was America’s first ambassador to France and, while there, fell in love with the finest wines of Bordeaux. One of his favorites, listed on a 1787 inventory manifest, is Chateau Suduiraut, which he called “President du Roy,” an exceptional Sauternes. Once back stateside, he kept the wine stocked wherever he resided - from the White House to Monticello.

So Jefferson’s Master Distiller Trey Zoeller thought, why not finish a batch of great bourbon in the barrels that once housed this Sauternes? Sacre’ bleu! We’re glad he did. And you will be too, once it romances your palate.

Jefferson's Suduiraut Sauterne Finish Whiskey: Very old Kentucky Bourbon finished in French oak wine casks

Based on Trey's experience finishing Jefferson’s in creative ways and in various types of casks, he felt strongly that the sweetness of the Chateau Suduiraut wine and the toasted staves of the French oak wine casks would complement his well aged, complex Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey.

After hand selecting forty Suduiraut barrels, refilling them with Jefferson’s Reserve bourbon and extra aging them in his proprietary “hot box” environment, Trey created a one of a kind whiskey that combines the sweetness of the Sauternes, the wood notes of both American and French oak and the grain of a premium bourbon in a delicious and complex balanced final product.

We were not disappointed.

Tasting Notes:

Nose/Aroma: Citrus, floral and honey

Taste: Up-front citrus and burnt sugar turns into cinnamon then caramel with almost a lemon zest finish. Extremely well balanced.

Finish: The dessert wine finish pairs wonderfully with the bigger spice of the bourbon.