Holland America Line and Jefferson's Bourbon Partner for First-of-Its-Kind Bourbon Aging at Sea

The cruise line and distillery launch an exclusive program to age bourbon aboard ships, offering a unique experience for guests.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:05am

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To celebrate International Whiskey Day, Holland America Line and Jefferson's Bourbon have announced a partnership to age Jefferson's Ocean Bourbon at sea across the cruise line's fleet. This marks the distillery's first collaboration with a cruise line for its Ocean Aged at Sea® Bourbon series, expanding Holland America Line's award-winning Single Barrel Program and celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

Why it matters

This unique program allows the bourbon to be shaped by the natural elements of the cruise experience, including shifting climates, rolling waves, ocean air, and constant motion. The collaboration reflects a shared spirit of exploration, innovation, and craftsmanship between the two American brands.

The details

Beginning in March 2026, Jefferson's will load one barrel aboard each of Holland America Line's 11 ships. The barrels will sail for a minimum of six months, with the bourbon's flavor, depth, character, and finish influenced by the journey. Guests will be able to follow the aging process through onboard activations, and the limited-edition barrels will be made available for them to taste once bottled in 2027.

  • In March 2026, Jefferson's began loading one barrel aboard each Holland America Line ship.
  • By the end of April 2026, all 11 ships will carry their own exclusive barrel.
  • The barrels will sail for a minimum of six months before being bottled in 2027.

The players

Holland America Line

A cruise line that is celebrating America's 250th anniversary with various partnerships and offerings.

Jefferson's Bourbon

A bourbon distillery that is expanding its Ocean Aged at Sea® program by partnering with Holland America Line, bringing a legacy of American ingenuity and innovation.

Drew Foulk

The director of food and beverage revenue and innovation at Holland America Line.

Trey Zoeller

The founder of Jefferson's Bourbon, who has been exploring the concept of aging bourbon at sea for over 35 voyages.

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What they’re saying

“This partnership with Jefferson's Bourbon is another way we're setting ourselves apart through experiences that are too good to hurry through.”

— Drew Foulk, Director of Food and Beverage Revenue and Innovation, Holland America Line

“We are thrilled to partner with Holland America Line to embark on a truly unique adventure. By placing Jefferson's Ocean barrels on their cruise ships, we're diving into a quest to see how different routes and voyages (meaning different climates and agitation) influence the taste, smell, and mouthfeel of our whiskey.”

— Trey Zoeller, Founder, Jefferson's Bourbon

What’s next

The limited-edition barrels aged on the cruise line fleet will be made available for cruise line guests to taste onboard in 2027, expanding upon the cruise line's robust single-barrel program.

The takeaway

This innovative partnership between Holland America Line and Jefferson's Bourbon showcases the cruise line's commitment to offering unique and immersive experiences for its guests, while also celebrating the spirit of American craftsmanship and exploration.