Jefferson’s Bourbon has unveiled its Tropics Aged in Humidity whiskey. It is a fully matured Kentucky straight bourbon finished in Singapore’s extreme heat and humidity to deliver a rich and textured tasting experience.
“After taking barrels to many different locations, it was evident that the hot and humid climates had such a positive impact on the bourbon. So, when homing in on a location to age our first Jefferson’s Tropics Aged in Humidity release, we knew we needed to be near the equator, where the heat and humidity would be year-round and intense. Singapore – one of my bucket list travel destinations – was absolutely perfect for this experiment,” said Zoeller. “The result is a remarkable bourbon, one that further reinforces my belief that terroir for whiskey comes from the environment that the bourbon matures in rather than the ground from which the grains are grown. The Jefferson’s Tropics Aged in Humidity series embodies the result of this with its richness and complexity – we can’t wait for you to experience it firsthand.”
The journey to create this special liquid was a wild one. Nine containers with a combined capacity of 720 barrels of fully matured Kentucky straight bourbon set sail for Singapore via an ocean ship in July 2019, marking the start of the journey. Following that journey, these barrels were exposed to the city-nation-state’s severe heat and humidity for an astounding 18 months resulting in a bourbon that is intensely caramelized. The extreme heat essentially slow cooks and caramelizes the sugars in the wood.
The containers finally made their way back to Kentucky in March 2023, where Zoeller evaluated and selected the flavor profile and proof point. The result is a bourbon that boasts aromatic baking spices on the nose, notes of Bing cherry, toffee, and sea salt, and a long, textured, full-bodied finish.
Bottled at 52% ABV, Jefferson’s Tropics Aged in Humidity is an allocated limited edition special release, it will be available starting September 2023 at fine spirits retailers and restaurants/bars across the US for $99.99 per 750mL bottle. For more information, head over to the bar’s official website.