Mature in age and truly exceptional in quality, Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon has earned its place as an enduring favorite of the most discerning whiskey connoisseurs. The “Best American Whiskey” according to Food & Wine magazine, our 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon represents the culmination of over a decade of patient aging in specially chosen, new charred American white oak barrels. 

COOPERAGE: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels

TASTING NOTES: Big and bold dark toffee and caramel, charred oak, maple syrup, vanilla.

Bourbon distinguishes itself from regular American whiskey through its requirement for aging in new, charred white American oak barrels. Michter's Whiskey, specifically their US*1 Unblended Small Batch American, goes beyond the standard rules by deviating from the 80% ABV requirement. Located in Kentucky, Michter's has an old distillery and produces whiskey that is unique because it's aged in bourbon-soaked barrels and bottled at an exact 83.4 proof, making it stand out. They also have a meticulous production process, using custom-made, well-dried barrels and a unique chill filtration technique. This whiskey maintains its distinct character and offers rich butterscotch and vanilla notes at 41.7% ABV.

In the 18th century, John Shenk, a Swiss Mennonite farmer, settled in Pennsylvania's Blue Mountain Valley. He worked tirelessly and harvested more grains than he could sell locally. Shenk decided to distill the excess grains into whiskey, establishing Michter's, the first distilling company in the United States. Prohibition in 1919 led to the closure of Michter's and other distilleries. In the early 1990s, Joseph J. Magliocco and Richard Newman revived the brand, focusing on creating exceptional whiskey. Michter's US*1 Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey is crafted from plump rye grains, fermented, distilled, and aged in charred American oak barrels. The heat-cycled warehousing process enhances the mingling of whiskey and wood, resulting in marmalade and light caramel notes.

Michter's Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is the limited, overproof version of their Single Barrel Rye, with a bold aroma of butterscotch, golden raisins, and vanilla. The palate offers flavors of morning toast, maple syrup, and fresh fruit, followed by a spicy finish with hints of mint, cinnamon, and honey.

In the 18th century, a Swiss Mennonite farmer named John Shenk established his family near Pennsylvania's Blue Mountain Valley. Over the years, Shenk found himself with a surplus of grains and began distilling the excess into whiskey. This distillery, eventually named Michter's Distillery, went on to become the United States' inaugural distilling company. Just two decades after its inception, General George Washington turned to Michter's Distillery Whiskey to fortify his troops during a challenging winter at Valley Forge, earning the distillery the moniker of the whiskey that warmed the American Revolution.

The advent of Prohibition in 1919 led to the closure of Michter's Distillery, along with numerous others across the United States. However, in the early 1990s, Joseph J. Magliocco and Richard Newman collaborated to resurrect the brand. Magliocco shared, "When we established our whiskey program for Michter's Distillery, Dick and I aimed to return to the 'cost be damned' origins and produce the finest whiskey possible. Our objective was to demonstrate that American whiskey could rival the best from anywhere in the world."

Michter's Distillery 20 Year Old Bourbon, masterfully crafted by distiller Willie Pratt, reflects Pratt's meticulous approach to maturation developed over his forty-year distilling career, earning him the nickname "Dr. No" for his tendency to reject aging barrels that don't meet his standards. Pratt explains that whiskey aged for over a decade faces a critical juncture, where it can either become extraordinary or unsuitable. Magliocco adds, "We reject barrels that are excessively woody or lack consistency. Willie identified a barrel that tasted delightful but had the consistency of molasses, which we obviously couldn't sell."

Michter's Distillery 20 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon, sourced and curated by Pratt, displays a rich amber hue and releases a bouquet of coffee, vanilla beans, and smoked chips. The palate is dominated by spicy notes, complemented by hints of milk chocolate, citrus, molasses, and caramel. The medium-long finish features touches of chewy leather, smoked dates, and oak, culminating in a remarkable expression of aged bourbon craftsmanship.

In the 18th century, John Shenk, a Swiss Mennonite farmer, settled in Pennsylvania's Blue Mountain Valley. He worked tirelessly and harvested more grains than he could sell locally. Shenk decided to distill the excess grains into whiskey, establishing Michter's, the first distilling company in the United States. Prohibition in 1919 led to the closure of Michter's and other distilleries. In the early 1990s, Joseph J. Magliocco and Richard Newman revived the brand, focusing on creating exceptional whiskey. Michter's US*1 Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey is crafted from plump rye grains, fermented, distilled, and aged in charred American oak barrels. The heat-cycled warehousing process enhances the mingling of whiskey and wood, resulting in marmalade and light caramel notes.

Michter's Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is the limited, overproof version of their Single Barrel Rye, with a bold aroma of butterscotch, golden raisins, and vanilla. The palate offers flavors of morning toast, maple syrup, and fresh fruit, followed by a spicy finish with hints of mint, cinnamon, and honey.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Michter's Original Sour Mash Whiskey was the distillery's single most popular product. While the Sour Mash moniker originated from the whiskey production process of the same name whereby some previously fermented mash is used as the starter for the new mash to be fermented, much like making sourdough bread Michter's Original Sour Mash earned distinction for its unique taste. With its unique grain selection, it cannot be categorized as a rye or a bourbon.

After disappearing from the market in 1989, Michter's Original Sour Mash Whiskey made a triumphant return in 2012 with its introduction into the US*1 line. Staying true to the profile and palate of its predecessor, Michter's US*1 Sour Mash has quickly become a favorite of whiskey enthusiasts.

Bottle Size: 750ml

Michter’s US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is made from a carefully selected mashbill that features the highest quality American corn. It is then matured to the peak of perfection. Truly “small batch” each batch of our US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is batched in a holding tank sized to fit a maximum of twenty full barrels, leaving no margin for “blending out” imperfection and thus necessitating excellence from every barrel. Reflecting the spirit of the Bluegrass State, Michter’s US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is nuanced, mellow and earthy. Michter’s US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is also available with personalized Fort Nelson Select labeling at Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery.

TASTING NOTES

Rich caramel with balanced vanilla, stone fruit notes, smoky depth, with an oak finish

In the 18th century, a Swiss Mennonite farmer by the name of John Shenk settled his family near Pennsylvania's Blue Mountain Valley. After a few years of hard work and long hours, Shenk was harvesting more grains that he could sell at the local market. As a result, Shenk purchased a still and began distilling the excess grains he harvested into whiskey. His distillery, which was eventually named Michter's, became the United States first distilling company. The passage of Prohibition in 1919 forced Michter's, along with nearly every other distillery in the United States, to close. In the early 1990s, however, Joseph J. Magliocco teamed up with Richard Newman in an effort to resurrect the brand. When we set up our whiskey program for Michter's, says Magliocco, Dick and I wanted to get back to the cost be damned roots and produce the finest whiskey possible. Our goal was to show that whiskey made in the United States could be the equal of great whiskey made anywhere in the world. Michter's award-winning US1 Sour Mash Whiskey is the cornerstone of this Toasted Barrel Sour Mash Whiskey, made by taking Michter's US1 Sour Mash Whiskey and aging it for an additional period of time in a secondary bespoke barrel. This custom made barrel is assembled from 18-month air-dried wood before being toasted (not charred). Several different levels of toast were carefully evaluated for the second barrel before the Michter's production team led by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson decided on the final bespoke cask that would best display the elegant nuances of this special whiskey. Pick up your bottle today!

One of our most limited production items, Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye continues the legacy of America’s first whiskey variety (rye) from America’s first whiskey company (Michter’s, originally known as Shenk’s). After a nearly three year absence from the market, Michter’s then Master Distiller Willie Pratt finally gave the green light for the re-release of Michter’s 10 Year Straight Rye in April 2014.

TASTING NOTES

Deep notes of vanilla and toffee, toasted almonds and cinnamon with an ample dose of crushed pepper and a hint of orange citrus

It is produced by taking 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 the brand's specifications. The result is a unique rye whiskey.

PRODUCTION: Limited release

STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky

WHISKEY TYPE: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

COOPERAGE: First Barrel: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels | Second Barrel: Toasted barrel made from 24 month air-dried wood

BARRELING STRENGTH: 103 Proof

BOTTLING STRENGTH: Each barrel is bottled at its particular alcohol level at the time of bottling. The average strength of the barrels in the September 2023 release is 108.9 proof.

TASTING NOTES: A nose brimming with toffee, honey, black walnut and a hint of campfire gives way to a decadent taste experience featuring dark chocolate, salted caramel, cherry and mint with pronounced spice balanced by rounded oak on the finish.

Batch No. 2492813

First introduced to great acclaim in the Fall of 2014, Michter’s US★1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon is a groundbreaking whiskey expression. It is made by taking Michter’s US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon and then aging it for an additional period in a second custom made barrel. This second barrel is assembled from 18-month air-dried wood and then toasted but not charred. The truly unique and delicious taste of Michter’s US★1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon represents a remarkable achievement given that it is Kentucky Straight Bourbon with nothing extra added or done except placement in a second toasted barrel.

COOPERAGE

First Barrel: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
Second Barrel: Toasted barrel made from 18-month air-dried wood