Distiller Notes
To make it they take the US1 Kentucky Straight Rye at barrel strength and then age it for an additional period in a second custom barrel. This second barrel is assembled from 24 month air-dried wood and then toasted to their specifications. The result is a unique Rye whiskey that they take pride in offering.
Enhanced spice notes with delicate chocolate overtones balanced by some vanilla and honey, hints of roasted nuts and dates, with a lingering finish of burnt brown sugar reminiscent of crème brûlée complemented by some smokey campfire highlights.
Proof: Varies. Each barrel is bottled at its particular alcohol level at the time of bottling.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
After aging in a charred barrel, this Bourbon then rests a second time in a custom barrel that has been toasted but not charred. This results in rich dulce de leche and butterscotch aromatics. The pleasantly sweet palate discloses almond paste, clove and cinnamon, plus a long, warming caramel fade with a faint citrus-peel note. Pour over a big cube of ice and garnish with a lemon twist.
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Whisky Advocate
At first, it’s truly American candy: melted chocolate-covered almonds and coconut. Then, it’s cinnamon, toffee, butterscotch, gingersnap cookies, red pepper, and Rice Krispies. This mouth-coating offers lingering baking spices throughout. A drop of water offers even more complexity, with pronounced caramel chew notes developing. With or without water, a complex and long finish awaits with hints of jalapeño chocolate.
Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Michter’s celebrates an extraordinarily rich heritage that traces back to 1753.
The Michter’s team spares no expense in its efforts to produce the greatest American whiskey possible. Tremendous attention is given to every step in the production process, including details like yeast selection; fermentation temperatures; distillation; wood selection and drying of staves; toasting and / or charring barrels; barreling proof; temperature and air flow conditions in the barrel rickhouse; identifying the peak maturation for bottling; and filtration protocol.
Proclaimed “Best American Whiskey” by Food and Wine, “Spectacular” by Robert Parker, “magnificent” by F. Paul Pacult, “Whisky of the Year” by The Whisky Exchange, “Best of the Best” by Robb Report, and “Distiller of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast, Michter’s has been recognized by whiskey connoisseurs as truly extraordinary.
Known for its peppery, spicy bite, Rye serves as the ideal base for cocktails like the Sazerac, Manhattan or Old Fashioned. In order for a spirit to be labeled an American Rye Whiskey, the mash bill must be comprised of at least 51% rye grain. The remainder of the mash is most often a combination of malted barley, wheat or corn. After distillation is complete, the spirit is transferred to unused, charred white oak barrels for a minimum of two years, though many producers choose to age longer.