Other
Trey Zoeller
Master distiller / blender
- Discipline
- Other
i. Biography
The Path
Jefferson's Bourbon was founded by Trey Zoeller in 1997, and the work has stayed anchored in time, oak, and palate management rather than noise. The founder and Master Blender remains tied to the brand’s core decisions, with the role demanding consistency as much as interpretation. In that sense, the line from 1997 to the present is not a branding note; it is the operating structure of the house. “does something different than most people do, which is distill, age, cut to proof, and bottle.” Trey has said.
The Work Today
At Jefferson's Bourbon, the Master Blender’s task is to hold bourbon at the center while still leaving room for variation. Trey Zoeller occupies that seat today, where blending is treated as a practiced discipline built on restraint and attention to detail. Jefferson's Chef Collaboration Blended Straight Whiskey sits within that frame as a signature release, showing how the range can widen without losing contact with the brand’s base.
Signature
Trey's signature dishes include Jefferson's Ocean, Jefferson's Journey, Jefferson's Chef Collaboration Blended Straight Whiskey, and barrel-aged Manhattan. These names point to a bourbon program that works through variation rather than departure. Jefferson's Ocean and Jefferson's Journey suggest movement within the category, while Jefferson's Chef Collaboration Blended Straight Whiskey marks the collaborative side of the house. The barrel-aged Manhattan brings a classic format into the same register, where bourbon remains the base language and the expression shifts through selection, blending, and finish.
Acclaim
The 1997 founding and the continuing blender role are the milestones that define his standing. That standing comes from continuity. Jefferson's Bourbon began in 1997 under Trey Zoeller, and the Master Blender role has remained part of the same working line ever since. The result is a profile shaped less by one-off recognition than by sustained influence over the bourbon, the signatures, and the direction of the brand.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Trey
What is Trey Zoeller's current role?
As of 2026, Trey Zoeller is Founder.
What is Trey Zoeller known for?
Bourbon.
