A gorgeous event that showcased the quality and craftsmanship that goes into each Jefferson’s Bourbon expression
Last week, Jefferson’s Bourbon took over The W Hotel Union Square in New York City for an intimate holiday celebration. The evening was a toast to the past year and was a chance for friends of the brand to ring in the new year. The evening focused on highlighting the many Jefferson’s Bourbon expressions, served both neat and in delicious craft cocktails. Some of our favorite expressions include:
- Jefferson’s Ocean The star of the evening, this bourbon is aged on ships traveling the globe. The constant motion and shifting climates create a complexity no land-based rickhouse can mimic—resulting in a mellow sweetness with a signature hint of salinity.
- Jefferson’s Bourbon: Crafted to deliver layers of depth and character, it brings together rich, inviting flavors in perfect harmony. Versatile, refined and approachable, it’s the bourbon that elevates any moment, whether poured neat or in a cocktail.
- Jefferson’s Rye: Bold spice meets layers of fruit, floral, and herbal notes, creating a whiskey that is as complex as it is approachable. Perfect for crafting exceptional rye cocktails, it also offers a richly rewarding experience when enjoyed neat.
- Jefferson’s Reserve Cask Strength: Uniquely aged, Jefferson’s Reserve Cask Strength is an exclusive expression that pays homage to Jefferson’s’ authentic Kentucky roots, bolder than ever before.This robust, 130 proof liquid is unfiltered 8-year-old whiskey that delivers notes of high fruit and bold depth, allowing its pure, full-bodied flavor to shine.
- Jefferson’s Marian McLain: A masterful blend of five exceptional whiskey, including aged bourbons and specialty-finished component, this second-edition limited release honors Marian McLain, founder Trey Zoeller’s eighth-generation grandmother and one of the earliest documented women in American whiskey.
Along with the cocktails, guests enjoyed a menu of elevated bites designed to accentuate the whiskey’s nuances—think mini lobster rolls, shrimp cocktail, truffle arancini, and tempura cauliflower.
The true highlight was the interactive Ocean + Caviar experience. Guests were invited to take a “bump” of caviar alongside Jefferson’s Ocean. The whiskey’s maritime salinity heightened the savory richness of the caviar, creating a luxurious balance of sweet caramel and brine. Guests were then encouraged to sip the bourbon again, discovering how the caviar transformed the spirit’s profile into something even more nuanced.
As the evening drew to a close, the festivities took a personal turn. In the spirit of the season, guests shared their New Year’s resolutions with an on-site poet, who crafted bespoke verses reflecting their goals for the year ahead.