BOTTLE DETAILS
- DISTILLER: Michter’s Distillery
- MASH BILL: Not disclosed, but at least 51% Rye
- AGE: Non-Age Stated (rumored to be in the 5 to 7 year age range)
- YEAR: 2025
- PROOF: 110.5 (55.25% ABV)
- MSRP: $120
- BUY ONLINE: Available nationwide in limited quantities
STEVE’S NOTES
SHARE WITH: Fans of robust, barrel-strength Kentucky-style rye whiskey, as well as those not opposed to a decadent rye cocktail.
WORTH THE PRICE: Even though there are many great ryes costing less, for seekers of quality and who have the extra cash, this is a yes. For modest-income folks (this writer included) who want a splurge that will not disappoint, again, yes. For people still on the fence, pour them some and let them decide.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar first to be sure you want a bottle. However, if you’re already a fan of this product, trust me, you can go all in.
OVERALL: One beauty of visiting and revisiting whiskey distilleries is the subconscious acquisition of sights, sounds and smells from those trips. When opening a bottle of whiskey, I’m often taken back immediately to “that time when … .”
The nose on this Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye takes me directly to the dump trough where tour guests get to stick their Glencairn glasses directly into the stream of whiskey glug-glug-glugging from the cask. Though directed to move the glass into the liquid stream at an angle to get just a small sample, few wind up with that prescribed modest sip. Most get the glass about half full while splashing whiskey over that extended hand. That aroma lingers long and strong throughout the rest of the tour, which is a great and memorable thing.
Given the intro to these notes, I suppose I should be authentic and splash rye whiskey over my right hand to get the full re-creation. But seeing as I’m using an electric keyboard, let’s call that a bad idea and just nose from the glass. This is spice bomb in the best way–aromas born of wood but reminiscent of foods: jam cake, ginger cookies, a kitchen spice drawer, warm caramel and honey. Have you ever pulled an orange off a tree, peeled and eaten it at 80-degree warmth? That’s the citrus aroma in my glass: authentic and memorable.
If you’re familiar with Michter’s US-1 Straight Rye, know that the largest difference is proof: 84.8 for the US-1; 110.2 for the cask strength, which is notably low because of Michter’s 103 barrel entry proof. Both share the same mash bill (not disclosed), the 5 to 7 year age range, and that high corn, high spice goodness of a Kentucky-style rye, which leaves a lot of room for mouthfeel-building corn.) Oak is toasty and prominent in this drink, forming the base onto which all the other flavors accumulate: a little molasses and dark caramel, chewy spice cookies, toasted rye bread and hints of banana and pineapple upside-down cake. A pleasant dose of tannin eliminates any chance that this corn-laced rye would get too sweet, and it also contributes to a long, warm and tingling finish.
This is a rye you should pour for those who say they don’t like rye. Don’t even tell them it’s rye because it’s got enough corn character to fake its way into the bourbon-only club as a high-rye. If they taste it and cringe and complain, leave the conversation and find some other deserving soul to whom you can preach and pour the righteous virtues of an always-great rye whiskey.
BRAND NOTES
With a mash bill that, while being majority rye grain, has a good deal of corn and malted barley as well, Michter’s Ryes are Kentucky style.
“We often have people at a tasting that say they are not rye drinkers, but when they taste Michter’s they are surprised by how much they enjoy it,” said Dan McKee, master distiller at Michter’s Distillery. “This Kentucky style rye at barrel strength is another fantastic way to enjoy the traditional characteristics of a rye whiskey while offering a nice balance of sweetness and spice.”
“It is an absolute honor to share such a wonderful representation of what American rye can be with its baking spice, dark fruit, toffee, and fragrant citrus and floral notes all within a round, smooth, complex finish to be contemplated and savored,” said Andrea Wilson, master of maturation. “I could not be prouder of our team and the efforts to create such a refined American rye that tips our hat to the history of rye whiskey in this country.”
Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.
