Michter's US*1 Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Rye (2024 Release)

BARREL No. // 24B0879 PROOF // 109.8 ABV // 54.9% NEAT NOSE - Initially, an intense mint aroma dominates, almost to the point of being too much. With some swirling and resting, the scent evolves to reveal orange, brown sugar, caramel, and a profound maple presence. Exceptionally intricate! PALATE - A powerful wave of mint and rye spice hits first, soon followed by the aromas detected earlier. The mouthfeel is smooth and the taste is deeply flavorful. For its proof, the flavor is superb, possibly due to the distillery's low barrel entry proof. FINISH - Lingering; featuring maple, sweet oak, and a touch of cinnamon. BUY? - Definitely BUY AGAIN? - A clear choice at retail or a little above. I spent 130 and would happily do so again. A nearby store listed it for $170, and I'm uncertain about that price point. However, it would be difficult to resist considering the bottle's outstanding quality.

For a barrel strength, this had little to no spice and was extremely flavorful throughout. Maple, rum, and herb notes on the nose. The palate is oily and herbal with dill and mint, and an orange peel zestiness on the finish. Such a good mouthfeel and palate on this one!

While not exceedingly complex, each flavor note is distinct and pronounced in a favorable manner. It strikes me more as a bourbon-rye hybrid. That deep toasted marshmallow note is exceptional. This isn't the typical rye.

Aroma: maple, nutmeg, vanilla, berries, dried fruit. Taste: a little oak, spicy, burnt caramel, vanilla, herbal.

Rated 9.2/10. A balance of bitter, spice, and sweet, with predominant baking spice and caramel/vanilla flavors.

54.8% Herbal caramel, molasses cookies. Viscous, burnt syrup. Grain and char. A warming sensation.