Review: Michter’s Single Barrel Straight Rye 10 Years Old and US-1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon 2021
Review: Michter’s Single Barrel Straight Rye 10 Years Old and US-1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon 2021
The limited releases just kept on coming this year from Michter’s. Hot on the heels of the 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon and the Barrel Strength Rye, shelves were stocked, however briefly, with the newest 10 Year Old Single Barrel Rye and the eagerly anticipated return of US-1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon. Michter’s fans will surely lament the fact that this year’s single barrel rye is a one-time only release due to a reported shortage of available stock. But now they also have another bottle to hunt with the latest toasted barrel bourbon which is coming off a three-year hiatus, presumably due to similar shortages (although there does appear to be a consistent three-year lag on these). Michter’s just can’t seem to make enough whiskey for its adoring fans. Let’s see how these highly coveted bottles stack up.
Michter’s Single Barrel Straight Rye 10 Years Old 2021 – There’s less of an herbal quality on the nose than in previous years, but the fresh dill notes are still very much there, balanced against a sweet, freshly sawn wood note and a bit of cold apple pie, doughy with cinnamon sugar. There’s the familiar wood polish note on the palate, along with dried herbs, cocoa powder, and some warm toffee, all in fine balance with a gentle oiliness and hugging warmth. These well-aged ryes from Michter’s can sometimes be a bit of a walk in the woods, but this year’s release is well-balanced on that front, with a lingering finish of toasted sugar and cool wintergreen. 92.8 proof. Reviewed: Barrel #21F1617. A- / $225 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Michter’s US-1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon 2021 – As a reminder, this bourbon is distinguished by its unique finishing, which takes place in a custom barrel assembled from 18-month air dried wood that is toasted, not charred. The nose is initially dry and earthy, but not nearly as savory as the 2018 release, with traces of clay and salty buttered popcorn that sweeten as the whiskey opens into more fragrant oak, incense, and old leather. The palate takes those latent aromas and runs with them, showcasing syrupy brown sugar, a bit of Chai spice, and toasty pastry notes: apple turnover and oatmeal cookie. An easy heat extends across the sip and fades into a lingering finish of seasoned oak and cinnamon stick. The best iteration of this one to date. 101.4 proof. Reviewed: Barrel #21G2063. A- / $175 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Michter’s US-1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon 2021
$175
Related Stories:
Great review! Loved the toasted bourbon, I’m surprised you didnt tase the toasted marshmallow which is my favorite part of this.
Michters keeps making hits and seems as hard to get as Buffalo Trace products now.