Jefferson's Founder's Reserve 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon 750mL

Jefferson's Founder's Reserve 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Kentucky Straight Bourbon | 47% ABV | 94 Proof | 750mL | 20 Year Age Statement | French Bordeaux Cask Finish | Limited to 250 Bottles

Process & Profile

Jefferson's Founder's Reserve 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon is an exceptionally limited release created to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. Only 250 bottles were produced, making it one of the rarest releases in Jefferson's Bourbon history.

The whiskey begins as Kentucky straight bourbon aged for 20 years, developing the deep oak, dark fruit, leather, caramel, and spice character associated with extended maturation. After two decades in Kentucky, the bourbon receives a secondary finish in French Bordeaux wine casks, adding another layer of fruit and richness while softening the mature oak profile.

Founder’s Reserve is bottled at cask strength at 94 proof. Each of the 250 bottles is individually numbered and hand-signed by Jefferson's founder Trey Zoeller, reinforcing the release's connection to the brand and the historic anniversary it was created to celebrate.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Caramel, toffee, leather, barrel spice, black cherry, and ripe stone fruit

Palate: Toffee, cherry, cinnamon, clove, mature oak, smoke, and vanilla

Finish: Long and sweet with dark fruit, crème brûlée, leather, seasoned oak, and lingering richness

What Makes It Special

Jefferson's Founder's Reserve combines three qualities rarely found together in a single release: a 20-year age statement, a French Bordeaux cask finish, and production limited to only 250 bottles.

The bourbon was created specifically for America's 250th anniversary, with the Bordeaux finish serving as a reference to Thomas Jefferson's travels through France and his interest in French wine and agriculture.

Twenty years of Kentucky maturation gives the whiskey considerable depth before the Bordeaux cask adds black cherry, stone fruit, and additional dark-fruit character. At 94 proof, the bourbon is bottled at its natural cask strength despite its relatively moderate proof, reflecting the concentration that can occur during exceptionally long barrel aging.

Every bottle is individually numbered and hand-signed by Trey Zoeller. With only 250 bottles produced, Founder’s Reserve is positioned as a true collector-focused Jefferson's release rather than a recurring limited edition.

How to Enjoy

Enjoy Jefferson's Founder's Reserve 20 Year Bourbon neat in a tulip-shaped whiskey glass to experience its mature oak, leather, dark fruit, caramel, and Bordeaux-influenced character.

Allow the bourbon to rest in the glass for several minutes before tasting. This can help open the black cherry, stone fruit, vanilla, and toffee aromas while allowing the mature oak to integrate with the sweeter notes.

Given its 20-year age statement and extremely limited 250-bottle production, this release is best suited to slow sipping and special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Jefferson's Founder's Reserve 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon?

Jefferson's Founder's Reserve is a 20-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon finished in French Bordeaux wine casks and released to commemorate America's 250th anniversary.

2. How many bottles of Jefferson's Founder's Reserve 20 Year Bourbon were made?

Only 250 bottles were produced. Each bottle is individually numbered and hand-signed by Jefferson's founder Trey Zoeller.

3. What proof is Jefferson's Founder's Reserve 20 Year Bourbon?

Jefferson's Founder's Reserve is bottled at cask strength at 94 proof, which equals 47% alcohol by volume.

4. What does Jefferson's Founder's Reserve 20 Year Bourbon taste like?

It offers notes of caramel, toffee, leather, black cherry, stone fruit, cinnamon, clove, vanilla, smoke, dark fruit, crème brûlée, and mature oak.

5. Where can I buy Jefferson's Founder's Reserve 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon?

You can buy Jefferson's Founder's Reserve 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon directly from The Barrel Tap, where you can shop bourbon whiskey and other premium spirits online.