Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye (2018 Release)

5.0 Stars - Exceptional; 20 ml sample This comes from a 2019 premium tasting event at my neighborhood liquor shop. Instead of selling or raffling off allocated bottles, they set up a tasting so the most people could experience these treasures. Oak and caramel on the nose. The flavor has butter, oak, and some astringent tannins that arrive at the mid-palate. A very skillfully made bourbon. I haven't looked into its origin. It had characteristics resembling some excellent Heaven Hill products. It also brings to mind Belle Meade cask strength a little bit.

A typical rye aroma, but with a touch of sweetness. Surprisingly, there's no spice or heat on the finish for a rye. It truly lives up to the "bourbon lovers rye" description. The finish is exceptionally sweet, smooth, with rich butter and caramel on the tongue. It's a puzzling drink. Is it a rye, is it a bourbon, or a rye masquerading as a bourbon??!!

The aroma is bright and pure, featuring spice alongside a whisper of nail polish. The taste feels richer than the 2017 bottling. The turpentine scent persists in the mouth, but it's smooth and viscous, packed with spice, and finishes with a kick of black pepper. A subtle sweetness emerges later. 2/22/19

This is an unusual rye that I’d call a rye that doesn't quite fit the rye profile.

Outstanding rye. A powerful oak finish. The palate is remarkably complex.

Smooth and sweet with no lingering burn.