Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Rye

Single barrel #23A0001. Kentucky straight rye whiskey aged 4 years in oak, bottled at 42.4% ABV. Sampled neat. A pleasant reddish-copper hue in the glass with light streaks. The aroma offers sweet corn, maple, vanilla, and peaches. It's light and smooth, with a subtle grassy spice hidden within. The taste is soft and sugary, with hints of vanilla and oak, but surprisingly, the dominant sensation is an oily coating sensation in the mouth (unexpected given the light streaks). A gentle spice emerges within the floral fruit sweetness, mostly reserved for the finish. The finish presents dry oak, tannic leather, and a light grassy rye spice. It's not an aggressive rye, but the flavor is present. A touch of tartness helps balance the sweetness. It then becomes quite DRY, obscuring the other notes, and the finish is relatively brief (considering the oily mouthfeel). However, it's enjoyable, leaving no unpleasant aftertastes, and invites another sip. Skip water or ice; this is perfectly proofed as is. While this doesn't astound me, it's a very good sipping rye. The 85 proof is evident, with a high corn influence (guessing a mashbill in the low 50s for rye, though I don't know the exact percentages). I'd be curious to experience this at 90 or 100 proof, but... This offers an accessible entry into rye and whiskey, very welcoming, yet not cheap in taste or cost. As is my habit, I'll continue to reflect on this bottle and share further thoughts later.

Aroma: Certainly could smell citrus, vanilla, a hint of rye notes from the back. Oak notes begin to dominate. With a touch of sweet corn. Palate: Has a good taste with vanilla, spices, and oak. Rye notes start to emerge. It's surprisingly smooth for a rye whiskey, and I prefer mine on ice, which makes it even smoother. As the ice melts, it releases the oils and transforms it into something like dark velvet crafted from caramel. Finish: Long lingering, with hints of citrus and oak. This one is definitely a go-to, and likely one of my favorites currently.

Nose: Butterscotch. Palate: (Consumed with an ice cube) Rye spice; an "old library book" scent that I notice in most ryes I've tried (and I love it). Sweetness. The butterscotch returns as the ice melts. Nice! Finish: Fairly short, with a lingering rye spice. I enjoy rye. Most of the ones I've encountered are quite similar. It's not like bourbon, where I experience a wide variety of profiles from different bottles. I always try to keep at least one rye on hand. Therefore, as far as rye goes, I would certainly purchase this one.

Nose: honey, pepper & vanilla Palate: honey, spice, and coats the mouth Finish: cinnamon, oak, medium finish and the spice lingers for a while Personally, I would not purchase this for sipping. It's simply not to my liking. A great introduction to rye, but I'm realizing I might prefer a whiskey with rye notes rather than straight rye. It lacks the depth of a smoky scotch or the sweetness of a bourbon. I just can't see myself reaching for this on a Friday evening.

Michter's US* Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey is a well-rounded, single barrel Straight Rye Whiskey crafted by Michter's Distillery in Kentucky, based on a recipe from 1753. It begins aromatically with notes of rye grain, marzipan, and Cracker Jacks; a spicy and savory middle adds notes of stewed rye grain with marmalade and a hint of butterscotch candy; leading to a long and balanced finish with notes of pepper and port wine. October 2020 / August 2022 / October 2023

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Raisin and oak with some baking spice. Palate: Spicy cinnamon and baking spice. Finish: Long duration with medium heat. Splash: No new flavors emerge. Overall: 7/10 - This is a respectable rye, reasonably priced, but it didn't quite meet my expectations. It would likely perform well in a cocktail, but isn't outstanding on its own. $15/2oz