I have written reviews for Payless on the Jefferson’s Oceans brand before where I have gone into details of the history around the brand, so it may seem repetitive to do so again. But for those who may not have read or may not know about the brand, I feel it is too important not to talk about where the Jefferson’s brand started from, and what makes it so unique.
It is well known that our founding fathers first crossed the ocean’s more than two-hundred years ago to start a new world based on the vision of freedom, and a free expression of ideas. Thomas Jefferson was one of those founding fathers and was also one of its first distillers. Like many farmers of the time, he used the excess grains from harvesting his farms and turned them into distilled spirits. The history of distilling and consumption of these spirits is well documented throughout American history. Thomas Jefferson was well known for his curiosity and his experimental spirit, and a known in his day as an innovator. It’s in that spirit of innovation that Trey Zoeller, CEO of Jefferson’s Bourbon, chose Thomas Jefferson to be the “face” of his brand, and the inspiration behind the Jefferson’s brand.
Jefferson’s Oceans is a great example of this innovative spirit. The Oceans line was born in 2012 when Trey partnered with Chris Fischer, the founder of OCEARCH, an organization that studies many types of marine life, but most specifically Great White sharks. Trey had previously been inspired after watching the spirits in his glass constantly rock back and forth while drinking aboard a boat, and began thinking about the effects that this constant motion, along with the unique environmental elements that only the ocean can produce would provide. This is where the voyages that OCEARCH regularly makes all over the world come into play and has made them a perfect partner for this collaboration.
After more than a dozen voyages logged (This is voyage 15!), bourbon lovers still actively seek each new release, because no two voyages have ever produced the same results. Now, the innovator that is Trey Zoeller has his Jefferson’s line setting sail on a entirely new exploration in search of the next great thing in bourbon, and I think he found it!
Jefferson’s Oceans Wheated. By replacing rye (previously used in the bourbons of previous Ocean’s voyages) with wheat, this bourbon provides a softer and more subtle flavor profile, allowing the vanillas from the wood and the sweetness from the corn to raise prominently to the surface, bringing with it a lifeline of salty accents that only the oceans air can provide.
Nose: Soft vanilla with a subtle sweetness drifts from the dram, bringing with it a slight brine note that adds intrigue and calms the sweet waves from becoming dominant. Brioche bread is there, with some soft wood entering late. You can smell the proof, but it does not burn, and it lets you know you are not getting a watered down spirit.
Taste: Vanilla and sweet corn dominate early. There are hints of soft young wood and light hints of a caramel note, but more as a complimentary note like that exists within a caramel-vanilla latte. It is very smooth, but there is a mid-pallet warmth that you would normally expect from a higher proof bourbon (This is a 90 proof bourbon), and because of the lighter wheat flavor its allowed to come to the surface to satisfy those that like a bit of a kick, without turning away those that appreciate the delicate profile that a wheated bourbon brings. That brioche bread note re-enters and floats mid pallet and baths in the vanilla-corn sweetness that started things off, and it provides a life preserver that is needed to keep the sweetness tethered in place, and the remaining wood notes are a life raft to its well-rounded flavor profile.
Finish: A smooth medium-to-long finish lingers on the pallet, like that of a oceans mist after a large wave crashes onto the shore. Like the flavor you get from a stick of sugar cane, there’s a sweetness that holds just a bit of wood, just a bit, but also just enough to maintain its balance. Soft vanilla and sweet corn grain notes melt off the tongue with just a hint of the oceans salty brine, leaving a lasting splash of warmth like that of a setting sun give as it sets over the sea.
Summary: This exclusive Payless Single Barrel of Oceans Wheated Bourbon is a winner! It is an incredibly smooth bourbon that is both soft and sweet without being weak. It is elegant yet hearty, refined yet complex. To me, it drinks slightly above its 90 proof (a good thing), yet it’s not hot or overpowering. It’s flavorful and full-bodied without being full of spice and wood that can dominate what some associate with many full-bodied bourbons. This is a bourbon that should appeal to both beginning bourbon drinkers and bourbon enthusiasts alike. It’s that enjoyable, and Yes, it’s that good!
Interested in reserving a bottle? Fill out our pick-up form today!
Welcome to our Women of Wine Program where we celebrate the women behind our favorite wines. Our first feature is the winemaker behind Apothic Wines, Debbie Juergenson!
Debbie started her career as an analytical technician, with training as a geologist and researcher, and approaches winemaking like a true scientist. Her industry hallmark is her love for, and undeniable skill with, wine blends. Her incredibly popular Apothic creations arguably started the craze for California blends that continues unabated.
Her bold and captivating blends come from using only the most distinctive California grapes. From vintage to vintage, the character and flavor of the individual varietals guide the shape of each blend.
Each vintage, she lets the grapes guide the way from the vine to the cellar, crafting a collection of unforgettable wines, including Apothic Red, White, Dark, Crush and a limited selection of seasonal releases.
“I strive to tell a story with each blend of Apothic,” Debbie explains. “Whether it’s one of drama, intrigue or romance, the wines of Apothic are truly original.” Debbie has certainly succeeded. To celebrate the woman behind the wine, take $1.00 Apothic Wines at Payless Liquors until April 21st.
During a time where alcohol rights were slowly creeping away, a grocer by the name of David Nicholson had something stirring in the private back room of his St. Louis general store. It was in 1843, when drunk driving first became a penalty, Nicholson begin distilling an original bourbon recipe. Unbeknownst to him, the 1843 recipe he discovered would carry on for centuries.
50 years later, Julian Van Winkle and W.L. Weller started producing 1843 for the St. Louis market. Van Winkle held onto the brand until 2000 when it was acquired by Luxco. The unchanged, unfiltered, and unmatched 1843 is still known for it’s outstanding character that earned its original popularity. It is truly amazing that an unchanged 1843 bourbon recipe could win a double gold in 2015. But, David Nicholson’s did. Today David Nicholson is known for his two bourbon recipes, the 1843 and Reserve.
1843 
The 1843 is a 90 proof exceptionally smooth ‘wheated’ bourbon. The dominate characteristics in this bourbon are wood and smoke flavors with subtle vanilla. You will get that nice warm feel all the way down with this one, but that eases up if you add water. Outstanding in a manhattan, the smoky oak notes blend extremely well in a cocktail.
Reserve
This 100 proof, extra-aged and ‘ryed’ bourbon provides a full-bodied flavor and a distinct, spicy taste. The drinking experience of Reserve is extremely pleasurable. A hit of sweetness as it first hits your lips quickly turns to rye and peppery flavors as it goes down. Toffee notes linger allowing you to enjoy even minutes after you’ve taken a sip.
David Nicholson Bourbons have mainly been sold in Missouri and Illinois so there are still many ares in the US that are eagerly waiting to try. This brand has survived almost two centuries and continues to impress.
There is no better way to honor a horse than with a glass of Woodford Reserve and that’s why Woodford Reserve releases a Kentucky Derby commemorative bottle each and every year. For the last 19 years, Woodford Reserve has released an annual limited edition Kentucky Derby commemorative bottle. Most all of these commemorative bottles have featured the work of artists from all over the country.
For the running of the 144th Kentucky Derby race, Woodford Reserve has partnered with Louisville artist Keith Anderson. As the presenting sponsor of the grandest horse race of all time Woodford Reserve celebrates the greatest two minutes in sports. Anderson’s artwork on the 2018 bottle illustrates powerful thoroughbreds breaking through the starting gates in all their glory. Anderson shared, “It has been such an honor to have my artwork considered for this years commemorative Derby bottle and to have my artwork chosen is a dream come true.”
As much as we love the commemorative artwork every year, it’s really what’s inside that makes this bottle so special. Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select is a super premium, small-batch bourbon crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region. It is a bourbon of exceptional richness, depth, and character with a smooth, well-rounded finish, much like race itself.
Sip like the Millionaire’s row during the 144th Kentucky Derby, drink Woodford!
New Maker’s Mark Mint Julep coming to Payless this week! The centuries-old “Mint Julep” is a cocktail of bourbon, water, mint, and ice, and most commonly associated with the Kentucky Derby! There have been many variations of the mint julep over the years including the addition of fruit flavors and the difference in bourbon of choice. Maker’s Mark now adds their own variation to the mix!
Maker’s Mark infuses its’ popular Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with mint and a touch of sugar creating a cocktail that’s ready to go. This 33 proof bourbon liqueur just needs ice to enjoy! Nobody does the mint julep quite like Maker’s Mark.
This product is a limited release and we’re not expecting it to last long. We’ve heard and read nothing but positive things about Maker’s Mark Mint Julep. Enjoy over the weekend hanging out in the shade on a sunny day and most definitely, enjoy while watching the Kentucky Derby. Reserve your bottle here with our pick-up form or head over to your nearest Payless Liquors and we will take care of you. Cheers!
You love hanging out downtown with friends, great food, and that clear stuff AKA vodka. But what do you do when it’s the middle of the afternoon and you need to lay low till evening and you’re not too fond of wine? Hangar 1 has the answer you’re looking for.
The genius innovation is rosé vodka. You heard me right. This great refreshing alternative to wine is a mix of a unique blend of Hanger 1 Vodka and California rosé wine. Perfect for drinking with a group of friends in the afternoon and just in time for the sunny days ahead of us!
Hangar 1 works with vineyards and farms to source the grapes and fresh ingredients. Their inspiration for rosé vodka came from the local Golden State wine culture and that’s something they wanted to celebrate. This truly is a first-of-its-kind beverage.
The taste is a bit floral with notes of crisp apple, sweet pea blossoms, and a hint of oak on the nose, with a silky and soft mouthfeel finishing fresh with hints of cranberry. Hangar 1 has provided a few hand-picked recipes here for you to enjoy, including the Rosé Spritzer.
Keep Walking America. Always forward, never backward. That’s been Johnnie Walker’s message for over a century. The iconic striding man logo celebrates taking steps forward and just in time for Women’s History Month, Johnnie Walker is unveiling Jane Walker, the first ever female iteration of the brand’s iconic striding man logo.
Celebrating the many achievements of women, Jane Walker is a symbol of empowerment for all those on the journey to gender equality. The Jane Walker logo and packaging will debut on a special edition offering of the award-winning black label blend.
Johnnie Walker’s Vice President, Stephanie Jacoby worked with the brand on the campaign and shared that, “Scotch as a category is seen as particularly intimidating to women and Jane Walker is a really exciting opportunity to invite women into the brand, which they have played a significant role in since 1893.”
For every Jane Walker bottle purchased, Johnnie Walker will donate $1.00 to organizations supporting women’s progress, up to $250,000. Two organizations Jane Walker supports, in particular, are #MonumentalWomen and She Should Run.
THIS LAND WAS MADE FOR THE OPTIMISTS.
THE ONES WHO BREAK BARRIERS AND EMBRACE DIVERSITY.
THE ONES WHO BELIEVE IN CHANGE AND REFUSE TO QUIT.
THE ONES WHO MAKE AMERICA PROGRESS WITH EVERY STEP THEY TAKE.
THIS LAND WAS MADE FOR YOU AND ME.
KEEP WALKING AMERICA.
From The Crown Royal Blender’s Series, Bourbon Mash has been all the talk around town. This Blended Canadian Whiskey is aged in a combination of ex-Bourbon and new charred American Oak Barrels. The result? A richly layered, perfectly balanced whiskey with the complexity of a bourbon and the signature smoothness of Crown Royal.
This bottle is a great gift for a Crown Royal Collector though. Why? Well if you’re keeping up than you would know that technically, they can’t call this a bourbon. Even though promotional materials clearly stated “This is NOT a bourbon,” the bottle’s label say’s Bourbon and that’s an infringement.
Crown Royal was forced to pull the bottle and re-label it; however, a couple states including Indiana, we’re fortunate enough to receive a shipment of the Crown Royal Bourbon Mash with the original label! Meaning this bottle is a rarity.
Bourbon is a distinctive product of the US and declared by US Congress in 1964 and signed by President Lyndon B Johnson. NAFTA contains a section where Canada agreed to recognize Bourbon Whiskey as a distinctive product of the US. The law states that the word “bourbon” shall not be used to describe any whiskey-based distilled spirits not produced in the United States.
If you’re a Crown Royal collector or just have a thing for the rarities, stop by Payless Liquors and get your bottle of Bourbon Mash before we run out! You can also reserve a bottle here.
Jeptha Creed Distillery was a means to keep the Nethery Farm going, a continuation of their family heritage that’s been going strong since the 1700s. The biggest distilleries in the country were once family-owned enterprises and the only difference between Jeptha Creed and them is that they want to remain a family-owned, authentic enterprise.
The distillery is owned and operated by a mother-daughter duo, Joyce and Autumn Nethery. The family’s 64-acre distillery sits on approximately 1,000 acres of land where they produce almost all the products used to make their spirits. The Nethery family is committed to their ground to glass motto, if they can grow the products themselves, they will. Using only the finest, locally grown and sourced ingredients ensures their products meet the highest expectations for quality and flavor.
Not only do they produce their own corn and fruits, they use old-fashioned methods to meet today’s demanding modern tastes. “Ne Oublie” is a Scottish Gaelic saying meaning “Never Forget”. Much like their use of old-fashioned methods, this phrase has been passed down through the Nethery family for generations. Jeptha Creed was founded on the motto “Don’t forget where you came from,” and they hold true to that to this day.
The distillery currently has their Vodka and Moonshine on the market and their bourbon is aging and will be available in 2019! Unfortunately, Jeptha Creed spirits are not available in Indianapolis, but they will be available to taste at Indy’s Premier Bourbon Celebration on February 23, 2018. Get your tickets here!
For the Months of February and March 2018:
Jameson Irish Whiskey 750 WAS: $28.99 SAVE: $3.00 NOW: $25.99
Jameson Caskmates Stout and IPA (New Release). WAS $32.99 SAVE: $3.00 NOW:29.99
For Every 750 of Jameson, Caskmates Stout, Caskmates IPA, or Black Barrell we will donate $1.00 to the Wish for our Heroes Foundation
For every 1.75 of Jameson sold, we will donate $2.00 to the Wish For Our Heroes Foundation.
There aren’t many spirits as unique as this one. Henry McKenna is the longest aged, bottled-in-bond, single barrel bourbon out there to date! It all started when Henry McKenna, an Irish immigrant, adapted his family’s traditional recipe to work with the grains he found in Kentucky around 1837. The result? A PERFECTLY balanced bourbon.
The mash bill of this product is 75% corn, 13% Rye and 12% malted barley.This 10-year-old single barrel bourbon has won numerous awards and accolades including Double Gold in the 2014 WSWA Spirits Tasting Competition. As well as, Double Gold in the 2015 SF Spirits Competition and Gold in the 2016 World Whiskey Awards.
To be considered a Bottled-in-Bond whiskey must be a product of one distillation season and one distiller at a single distillery. The product must also be aged in a federally bonded warehouse under the supervision of the government for at least four years, and it must be bottled at exactly 100 proof. Additionally, the bottled-in-bond label must clearly identify the distillery where it was distilled and where it was bottled.
Tasting Notes:
- Color – Warm, Golden Amber
- Aroma – Vanilla, Caramel, Oak & light Herbaceous notes
- Taste – Smooth Oak, Sharp Spices, Honey & Sweetness
- Finish – Long, Sweet & Spicy
Featured Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon Recipe: Bourbon & Branch
- 2oz Henry McKenna Single Barrel
- 4oz Chilled Mineral Water
- Pour bourbon, add water. Stir in a highball glass half filled with ice. Enjoy!
Interested in attending Indy’s Premier Bourbon Celebration but wish there would be wine?! Well, you’re in luck! We’ve been receiving quite a few questions regarding wine and we’re here to clear things up.
There will be wine poured at the event. There will be bourbon barrel-aged wines to compare with their non-barrel aged equivalent. Who knows, you might discover that you prefer barrel-aged wines! This will give you a chance to understand more about the kinds of wines you enjoy.
Bourbon barrel-aged wine has soared in popularity since its official inception in 2014 and many brands have hopped in on the trend. This isn’t quite the first time that winemakers have used bourbon barrels in winemaking, however. Modern bourbon barrel winemaking is all about boosting flavor and richness. “When we use bourbon barrels to finish a portion of the wine, we introduce a different, more intense set of aromas and flavors that would be less pronounced in traditional wine barrels.”
At the event we will have (among others):
- Apothic Inferno Bourbon Barrel Aged
- Apothic Red
- Apothic Dark
- Federalist Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel
- Federalist 1776 Series Zinfandel
- Federalist 1776 Series Chardonnay
Join us for an extraordinary night of bourbon tasting and learn more about the fine art and nuances of distilling and more. Check out our working list of distilleries attending Indy’s Premier Bourbon Celebration and Get your tickets here.
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