Jefferson’s Bourbon has built a reputation for pushing boundaries, whether it’s aging barrels on ocean voyages or experimenting with the intense climate of Singapore. But in 2025, the brand is turning heads with the return of one of its most celebrated creations: the Marian McLain, a complex blend of five distinct whiskeys that pays homage to a legendary figure in American whiskey history. This limited-edition release is a tribute to resilience, craftsmanship, and a touch of rebellion, making it a must-have for bourbon enthusiasts across the country.
The Marian McLain expression is named after Trey Zoeller’s eighth-generation grandmother, a woman whose story is as bold as the whiskey itself. During the Revolutionary War era, Marian McLain faced unimaginable hardship after losing her husband. Left to provide for her five children, she turned to distilling and selling whiskey—an act that led to her arrest in 1799 for bootlegging. Far from a mark of shame, this moment cemented her as one of the earliest documented women in American whiskey-making. Trey Zoeller, the founder of Jefferson’s Bourbon, sees her story as a badge of honor. He describes her as a trailblazer whose entrepreneurial spirit and determination echo in every bottle of this unique blend.
The 2025 release of Marian McLain is a masterful combination of five carefully selected bourbons, each chosen to reflect a piece of Marian’s legacy. Unlike the 2023 debut, which blended 21% 14-year-old Tennessee straight bourbon, 40% 11-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon, 14% wheated double-barrel bourbon, 17% rum cask-finished bourbon, and 8% 8-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon, the new edition takes a different approach. This year’s blend consists of 62% 13-year-old Kentucky bourbon, 15% 11-year-old Indiana wheated bourbon double-barreled in new oak, 11% Kentucky bourbon finished in rye barrels and wine casks, 6% Kentucky bourbon finished in rum-seasoned rye barrels, and 6% 9-year-old Kentucky bourbon. Bottled at a robust cask strength of 106 proof, this whiskey promises a bold and complex experience.
What sets this bourbon apart is the thoughtfulness behind its creation. Jefferson’s master blender, Ale Ochoa, handpicked each component for its distinct flavor profile. The 13-year-old Kentucky bourbon forms the backbone, delivering rich depth, while the Indiana wheated bourbon adds a smooth, sweet layer. The rye barrel and wine cask-finished bourbon introduces spicy and fruity notes, and the rum-seasoned rye barrel finish brings a hint of exotic warmth. The 9-year-old Kentucky bourbon rounds out the blend with a touch of youthful vibrancy. According to Ochoa, the goal was to craft a whiskey that feels alive with history and heart, honoring Marian McLain’s pioneering role in the industry.
While the new blend differs significantly from its 2023 predecessor, it’s designed to stand on its own. Official tasting notes suggest a palate brimming with tobacco, fig, brown sugar, soft oak, and coconut, followed by a long, satisfying finish with hints of leather, red fruit, and cinnamon. This combination of flavors makes it versatile—perfect for sipping neat by a fire or sharing with friends over a hearty meal. The higher proof adds intensity, appealing to those who appreciate a whiskey with character and backbone.
The story behind Marian McLain adds an extra layer of intrigue. Her arrest in 1799 wasn’t just a footnote—it was a testament to her grit and resourcefulness. After her husband’s death, she defied societal norms and legal constraints to support her family, embodying the kind of fearless spirit that resonates with bourbon lovers today. Zoeller has long been inspired by this legacy, and the Marian McLain expression is his way of sharing that story with the world. The choice to blend five whiskeys is no coincidence—it’s a nod to Marian’s five children, symbolizing the family she fought to provide for.
Jefferson’s Bourbon, now part of the Pernod Ricard family, has always been about innovation. From its ocean-aged experiments to its meticulous blending process, the brand doesn’t shy away from taking risks. The 2025 Marian McLain release is no exception. It’s a whiskey that balances tradition with creativity, offering a sipping experience that’s both familiar and unexpected. At a suggested retail price of around $299, it’s a premium offering, but for those who value craftsmanship and a good story, it’s worth every penny.
Available now at select retailers nationwide and online through platforms like ReserveBar, the Marian McLain bourbon is a limited release that’s sure to disappear quickly. Whether you’re a longtime Jefferson’s fan or a collector looking for something special, this bourbon delivers on flavor, history, and heart. It’s a fitting tribute to a woman who broke barriers and a reminder that great whiskey, like great stories, stands the test of time.
