Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye (2021 Release)

Drank it neat, straight from the bottle. So incredibly thrilled. Acquired this at retail price, another item crossed off my wish list. I've sampled M10 Rye before, but this is the first bottle I've possessed. This aroma is divine. I could immerse myself in it forever. I'm intrigued by this particular bottle because the oak is wonderfully prominent. It smells like an old aging warehouse in the summer. I'm detecting lovely cherry and vanilla frosting. The rye adds a pleasant white pepper note. A touch of graham cracker is present. The rye provides a certain brightness, but the oak and cherry dominate the aroma, so it doesn't immediately present as a rye. I don't usually comment on the oiliness on the glass, but this is exceptionally oily. Interestingly, despite being so oily, it feels thin on the palate. A shame about the proof. However, the flavors are incredible. Initially, it's a bit bland on the tongue. A subtle sweetness akin to brown sugar mixed with water. Things develop in the mid-palate, and the finish is superb. The mid-palate offers a cherry cordial, with chocolate, vanilla cream, and cherry notes. Towards the finish, the oak arrives with a powerful wave, intensifying the cherry cordial even further and introducing some pepper. The pepper is the only rye characteristic present. The oak continues to linger. A delightful pour. The level of oak in this rye is unlike any rye I've ever experienced. The oldest ryes I own are around 8 years old. I wouldn't be shocked if this is close to 12 years old. I understand the proof might deter some, but I would happily purchase another bottle when this one is finished.

The aroma is a beautiful blend of pine, floral rye, vanilla, spearmint, red apple, and a touch of butterscotch sweetness. It's very inviting and easy to get lost in. It definitely gives the impression of being older than 10 years. The palate is somewhat oily and coats the entire mouth with a rich rye spice, with charred oak and vanilla surrounding the sides of the mouth, while the spicier notes remain in the center. The fruitier notes are more subtle and underlying, becoming more noticeable at the back of the palate as you swallow. The finish is long and spicy, with a very pleasant amount of rye lingering in the mouth that just tingles as you continue to chew the whiskey. Oak and a slight astringency provide balance, while a whisper of creaminess slowly fades.

I'm just not connecting with this one. Perhaps it was the specific barrel, but the Michters rye tasted almost medicinal or chemical to me. I'm a big fan of rye but this was the biggest disappointment of the year. For context, my preferred rye is Lock Stock and Barrel, which is 100% rye, though I do enjoy blends with 51% rye sometimes.

I opened this bottle about a year ago and thought I'd already noted it. Nose: caramel with pepper and mint Taste: cola and vanilla at first. Quite smooth with a medium body. The back end is spicy with baking spice and pepper. A hint of caramel sweetness emerges. It's not overly oaked, but a dryness is present. More mint and anise on the finish.

Excellent. I'm not a huge fan of rye, but I would be more so if all of them were like this. Most Michter's products are good based on my experience. This is sweet and fruity but has that wonderful rye spice in the taste. I have no right to say this, but I'm detecting pear in this, and it's lovely.

An aroma of mint and maple. Sweet maple flavor on the palate. The finish is medium, and the rye spice persists. Quite enjoyable. A sample from an old friend. Much appreciated.