If the recent release trends continue, this year’s Barrel Strength Rye will be the last until 2027 with a Toasted Rye expression on deck instead for 2026. So, stock up if what you read below sounds appealing (and it will).
I know I should probably do myself, and you, a favor and stop theorizing about release calendars. Michter’s, like lots of other Kentucky distilleries, could be so awash in whiskey now that they deliver both limited edition, rye options in the coming year. Or not. The brand has made it clear that these whiskeys come only when they are ready, having famously skipped a 10-year bourbon release in 2022. Anyway, enough speculating.
On to the whiskey. Per usual, this latest limited edition release is Kentucky style rye with “a good deal of corn and malted barley” in the recipe, drawn from a single barrel, and bottled at – you guessed it – barrel strength. Let’s check it out.
Michter’s US-1 Barrel Strength Straight Rye 2025 Review
On the nose, there are some similarities to the impressive 2024 release with the same balance of cocoa powder, antique furniture, and subtle smoke. This latest offering, however, is a bit higher tone and sweet with plenty of sticky vanilla bean and minty rye spice to bolster darker notes of caramel and barrel char.
On the palate, once again, there are signs of mature rye here with a balance and depth not far removed from the 10-year-old release. Michter’s doesn’t publicize the age of its barrel strength rye, but it feels like older whiskey is making its way into these bottles. Early notes of chocolate mint and cinnamon Red Hots deliver some of the energy in the aroma before turning darker and more barrel-driven with chewy toffee, Tootsie Roll, and a lively allspice note that tingles across the sip, complementing a generous warmth that’s a touch more peppery than the 2024 release.
That familiar lemon-kissed black tea note arrives on the finish, alongside some black cherry and candied ginger which linger into a cooling and soothing conclusion of rye spice, wintergreen, and dark chocolate. A slightly more boisterous barrel strength rye than last year, but every bit as enjoyable.
110.2 proof. Reviewed: Barrel #25B0431.
A / $120
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