2009 Jefferson's Stitzel Weller Jefferson's Presidential Select 18 Years Old 94 Proof 750ml

Distilled in the Fall of 1991, this 18-year-old Jefferson's Presidential Select is a testament to the art of long-term maturation in Stitzel-Weller barrels. Elegantly crafted and subtly muted by wheat, this offering presents a well-matured bourbon with a medium yet firm body and a truly complex finish. It is a connoisseur's dream, reflecting an era of unparalleled bourbon craftsmanship.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated ballet of aged oak, butterscotch, and dried dark fruits like fig and prune, intertwined with a delicate floral perfume. Subtle hints of baking spice – cinnamon and nutmeg – emerge, underscored by the gentle sweetness of vanilla and a faint whisper of toasted grain, indicative of its wheat influence.

Palate: The entry is remarkably smooth and velvety, immediately showcasing rich caramel and dark chocolate. This is swiftly followed by a harmonious blend of dried cherry, apricot, and a nuanced spiciness of clove and allspice. The wheat's 'muted' quality manifests as a soft, almost bread-like quality that balances the oak's intensity, preventing any bitterness. A medium but firm body provides a substantial mouthfeel, allowing the complex layers to unfold gracefully.

Finish: Long, elegant, and evolving. The initial warmth of rye spice gives way to lingering notes of sweet pipe tobacco, leather, and dark roasted coffee. The Stitzel-Weller aging influence is palpable, leaving a lasting impression of seasoned wood and and a whisper of almond extract. A true connoisseur's bourbon, it invites reflection long after the sip.