Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye (2019 Release)

Tasting Barrel #19F963 Nose: dry oak, dark brown sugar, leather, and a subtle evergreen scent. It doesn't smell particularly like rye; I could easily mistake it for a bourbon based on the aroma. Palate: Caramel corn, dark chocolate, rye spice, some faint spearmint, vanilla, and allspice. The finish dissipates faster than I'd prefer, with some oak and sweetness lingering at the end. The first time I tasted this, it was a major letdown. We had consumed several other spirits beforehand, some of which were considerably higher in proof. In that context, the M10 seemed dull and thin, with very subdued flavors. I've since tried it again a few times with a fresh palate and my assessment has improved. The flavors and aromas are present to create a compelling spirit, I just wish it wasn't so understated. This spirit is at a 5-6 in intensity, whereas I desire it to be a 9 or 10. It really suffers from the low proof, even more than the M10 Bourbon. I also wish it had more rye character; even for a 'barely-legal' rye, this one lacks the green notes you might anticipate. I could easily mistake it for a high-rye bourbon rather than a straight rye. In summary, I should have sampled this at a bar (if I had ever encountered it), so I could have experienced it without the expense of a full bottle. If they ever release the 10yr at barrel strength, I'm confident it would be outstanding; but this expression is weak compared to competing ryes.

The aromas of pine, cinnamon, and buttery corn vie for attention. Sometimes one stands out, but mostly they blend harmoniously. Wow - The initial taste delivers a precise burst of zesty spices that linger for minutes. Beneath this lies a combination of orange and sweet cream. On the finish, those spices remain on the tongue as long as you can resist another sip. A hint of creaminess is also present. I enjoy rye but with so much originating from MGP or Alberta, it can sometimes feel limited. This is very different, with the creaminess almost suggesting a mix of rye and bourbon. Fortunately for this bourbon-skeptic, it never leans too heavily into popcorn flavors. Considering premium ryes, this ranks among the best in recent years.

A companion and I participated in a tasting yesterday evening, sampling over 10-11 whiskeys. This was just a sip of each, otherwise, I wouldn't be able to type this coherently. This particular pour was the winner for me. It was the best of the evening, surpassing its relatives from Scotland and one from Switzerland. Although it was sourced, I did not detect the typical MGP dill or the usual Canadian rye notes. Therefore, if it wasn't MGP or Canada, I'm uncertain of its origin, but it was simply superb regardless. The aroma was incredible, reminiscent of warm rye bread, followed by a robust, creamy flavor with undertones of bourbon. Appreciate you sharing!

This is the greatest Rye I've ever tasted! I was fortunate to acquire a bottle during my trip to the distillery last autumn. I had to pick between this and the 10-year-old bourbon due to budget constraints. After sampling both at the bar upstairs, I chose this one. My specific bottle is from barrel 19F978. I finally opened it tonight, and I have absolutely no regrets about my choice!

The aroma is full of vanilla, much more so than the standard prior bottle. It’s also noticeably darker. This sample is a preliminary pour from a fresh bottle. Compared to the last tasting, the taste profile presents more smoke and less sweetness. This one also left a warmer sensation on the palate. I added two drops of water. (My intention was only one... my bad.) The water diminished my enjoyment. It amplified the smoky notes.

Enjoyed at the Waldorf in Orlando, this is among the finest bourbons I've sampled. At $35 per glass, it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up, especially compared to the $135 per glass for BossHog. Exceptionally smooth and not overpowering. Very crisp with no harshness. Truly worth the cost!