I came across Jeffers Creek whiskey after I saw it on sale at Gary’s Wine and Marketplace on Route 23 in NJ for $20. I had stayed away from it the last time I visited because it looked clearly like a cheap knockoff of Old Weller Antique wheat whiskey, but I noticed it had a Gary’s “recommendation” this time around so I figured I’d give it a shot.
So let’s get on to the review.
Specifics
- Spirit Type: Bourbon
- Proof: 80
- Bottled by: King’s Mark Company (Louisville, KY)
Appearance
Well let’s start with the obvious: the bottle design is an exact ripoff of Old Weller wheat whiskey. The typeface, label design, shape of the bottle, and even how the top label is centered are all exactly the same. I wouldn’t be incredibly surprised by this if Jeffers Creek was owned by the same company, but nope: different companies (Weller is Buffalo Trace). Wish I could tell you what the rational here is, but I can’t — if you can, please do drop in the comments (UPDATE: Thanks Mark for the heads up – this whiskey is indeed produced by the same company as Weller as identified by the UPC code!).
The color of the whiskey itself is a yellow tinged amber. When I pour the first drops and move it around in my glass, I’m surprised at how the liquid clings to the walls — syrupy, similar to something like a Makers.
Nose
Lots going on in the nose, but the first thing you notice is the burn that stings if you breath in a little too deeply. Hiding behind the intense fumes is oak and caramel.
Taste
Much like the nose, the first thing you’re likely to get with Jeffers Creek is a bit of gasoline. Behind it there are some pleasant notes of caramel, oak, and corn. After that, we get into more trouble when we get to the…
Finish
Long, sweet, and more than a little burn.
Conclusion
This is no Weller. But this also isn’t an awful whiskey. Sure for $20, I’d easily take an Evan Williams 1783 instead. But this isn’t some watered-down distillery backwash either. If you’re feeling conflicted about buying it, toss a coin, or save yourself the $$ and bump your price-range up by $20 the next time you shop for a bottle.
View Comments (8)
Jeffers Creek is made by same company as Weller. If you look at the UPC it starts with 88004 same as Weller. The first set of numbers are a company code.
Mark, thanks for that heads up! I've updated the post. Still can't say I "get" the flavor profile or product they're going for here but it's good to have accurate info.
Buffalo Trace BOTTLED Jeffers Creek, but it NOT their bourbon. It was bottled for King's Mark . The first numbers of the UPS code (88004) represent Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac)...where it was bottled.
And this information came directly from BUFFALO TRACE.
All in all, it's a Mercedes with a Lawnmower engine...........not to say that it is bad for what you pay for it.
It is very similar to Weller's and has a smooth finish. For the money it is
a good bourbon.
Just tried a bottle of Jeffers Creek that I picked up while visiting Nashville Tn. Yes, the Weller-like label caught my eye but after drinking some I am impressed. It has lots more flavor and body than any other 80 proof whiskey I have had in a while.
Now if I can just find more of it near Chattanooga, Tn...!
Terrible whiskey. Hurt my stomach after one ounce. Trying to contact King’s Mark to get this poison off the shelves.
I got some in Grand Junction CO today, had it on sale for 14.99...reg price was $20. To the last comment its bourbon whiskey not “whiskey” but one ounce shouldn't cause anyone physical damage that quickly. Its called “sip-pin whiskey” for a reason.
Mathias the author nailed it.. It is Fair and worth a pull. Have had worse that is more expensive and better that was less expensive but probably not at $14.99
I pick this up regularly on sale in St Louis for $19.99 for a 1.75 HANDLE (regular price $29.99.) Agree it's not the best I've ever had, but at that price I pick it up by the case and keep it on hand as a "backup daily drinker" for when I'm out of better stuff, or needing a cocktail mixer.