Jefferson's Presidential Select 18 Years Old Batch 18 47% 1991

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Serge Valentin (90)

This is supposed to be Stitzel-Weller distillate, which all our American friends are raving about. Probably very different from Jefferson’s Ocean that we had the other day. Colour: amber. Nose: bingo. It’s this combination of wood smoke and banana jam that just clicks, you cannot be against this, you just have to take your hat off and bow. What’s particularly striking is that it tends to become very complex, with various herbal teas plus soft and sweet spices. And the obligatory menthol is of the highest order, as if it came from some long forgotten bottle of crème de menthe that was made in the 19th century. For high-ranking officers. Mouth: I’d have never thought a spirit that started with this much pineapple and banana would be to my liking. And it’s not even rum. Goes on with sweet cinnamon pie, sweet oak (and its spicy procession), and a touch of ginger. What’s also striking is that despite the oak, it remains fresh and kind of clean. Even a notch zesty/earthy/mineral, ala… say, Glen Garioch. Finish: rather long, citrusy and earthy. But of course, the pineapples and bananas keep dancing on your tongue. Comments: we wanted a 90, we found one. Terrific bourbon. And it’s even quite easy.

BOW (91)

According to our information this bottle is in fact a pappy van winkle produced by Julian van Winkle at the now dormant Stitzel-Weller distillery.