Pernod Ricard Korea said it will introduce in Korea for the first time Jefferson's Ocean, the flagship lineup of the U.S. premium whiskey brand Jefferson's Bourbon. Jefferson's Ocean has drawn attention from whiskey enthusiasts and collectors worldwide for its distinctive ocean-maturation method.
On the 6th, according to Pernod Ricard Korea, Jefferson's Ocean is completed by loading fully matured bourbon onto a ship and sailing to more than 25 ports across five continents. During a voyage that crosses the equator twice, the liquid is exposed to constant motion from waves, sea breezes, and extreme temperature swings, repeating cycles of change and concentration. The environment is said to create depth and complexity that are difficult to achieve with land-based maturation.
The route includes Masan, Korea, adding symbolic meaning for domestic consumers. Every bottle is assigned a unique voyage number, and detailed voyage logs can be checked on the official website, enhancing its collectible value.
The flavor of Jefferson's Ocean opens with crème brûlée and a subtle sea breeze, followed by natural notes of caramel, cinnamon, and espresso. A long, sweet-and-salty finish blends sea salt and caramel popcorn. The company noted the character stands out more when drunk neat or enjoyed as an Old Fashioned cocktail.
Trey Zoeller, founder of Jefferson's Bourbon, said, "Jefferson's Ocean is not just a whiskey that traveled the sea, but the result of an explorer's spirit that respects tradition while pushing its limits," adding, "The complex flavors shaped by waves, sea breezes, and temperature changes are possible only on the ocean, showing that innovation in bourbon is a process of evolution."
Jefferson's Ocean sells about 1.8 million bottles annually in the United States and ranked No. 4 among 96 global ultra-premium bourbon brands in 2024, according to IWSR. It has also won multiple gold medals at major international spirits competitions, including the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, ASCOT (American Spirits Council of Tasters) Double Platinum, the 2025 New York International Spirits Competition, and the 2025 World Whisky Awards, earning recognition for its quality competitiveness.
Jefferson's Ocean will be sold at major hypermarkets nationwide starting this month.