Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon (2018 Release)

A bit about the method and philosophy here, as I've always admired the approach taken by a certain distillery as a true dedication, and careful making. This spirit goes into the barrel at the lowest initial proof of any current bourbon or rye (105 versus the industry norm of around 125) which is significant and was once the benchmark for bourbon entry. Their barrels are lightly toasted, set aside, then undergo a second charring to extract more sugars and fewer tannins. The liquid can penetrate the wood more deeply, and their limited selections often use a second, naturally toasted barrel rather than a quick dip in a used wine or other used spirit barrel to impart a more organic oak character. What does this all signify, and why is it relevant to this bourbon? Let me clarify for you: 1. On the positive side - Lower initial proof means less water is added to reach the final proof. You're getting more of the finished spirit close to its barrel strength. The volume is typically richer, fuller, and smooth. Negative - More evaporation results in fewer bottles and higher prices. When each barrel's output is less, the cost increases. 2. Positive - The additional barrel toasting process adds a delightful sweetness, and a more natural finish (especially with the toasted barrel method like this one). Negative - It's costly and time-consuming as the barrels wait longer after the initial step before filling, and the toasted finishing takes more time to achieve. It takes this distillery a while to produce these, so their releases are irregular. So, regarding this particular one. The aroma is caramel and brown sugar. Not as sweet as their sour mash, but it has a sugary quality. The taste begins sweet and then heat emerges. A slight bitterness is present that yields to a more dough-like, bread-like flavor. Imagine that yeasty pizza dough or freshly made bread scent, but with a wholesome taste. I believe this is significantly influenced by the toasted finish, as I don't detect this in the standard bourbon. It's distinct and well-received. The conclusion is lengthy and somewhat more peppery. Where the aroma was sweet, the conclusion offers more allspice and vanilla. Overall, this is a quite good one. Not my preferred from this distillery (I favor rye from them, and consider their barrel proof and toasted finished rye to be among the top rye offerings annually), but it ranks somewhere in the middle. If you can purchase this near the suggested retail price of $69.99, it's a worthwhile acquisition. However, it's not worth some of the exorbitant secondary market prices.

The Michter's branding suggests a long history, possibly predating the Revolutionary War. The company claims its origins date back to 1753, when a Swiss Mennonite farmer named John Shenk began distilling in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania. The distillery was known as Bomberger's in the 1800s and ceased operations with the start of Prohibition in 1919. Following its reopening, the brand underwent several ownership changes, with the Michter's name officially established in the 1950s. The owner at the time, Lou Forman, combined the names of his sons, Michael and Peter, to create the brand. The original distillery closed in 1990, with its equipment stolen and some structures demolished. After a seven-year period, the brand's trademark expired, and Chatham Imports acquired it. This particular bottling is Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish from 2018. It's their US*1 Straight Bourbon, sourced from other distilleries in Kentucky and reportedly aged for an additional 26 days in toasted, rather than charred, barrels. The aroma presents typical bourbon notes of vanilla and brown sugar, complemented by hints of tart apple and oak. The taste features honey, cinnamon, oak, and brown sugar. The finish is quite extended, with a fleeting black pepper spice and a persistent honey sweetness. This is an exceptionally crafted expression, as the flavors harmonize beautifully, with none dominating the others.

I really wanted to enjoy this more, especially considering the price I paid and how much I've liked other Michter's offerings. Nose: Dominated by oak with minimal other notes, a touch of vanilla and baking spices in the background. Palate: Again, intense wood notes. Also toasted coconut, toasted marshmallow, and baking spices. I felt like the signature Michter's bourbon sweetness was just emerging, but the heavy wood seemed to obscure it. More alcohol bite than expected from Michter's, likely due to the high bottling proof. The texture was quite drying, similar to a very oaky chardonnay, which is unusual for a bourbon. Finish: This was the most enjoyable part. Toasted coconut and dark chocolate, but it concluded too quickly. Overall: Somewhat disappointing. I've heard the 2016 bottling was superior. I even waited four weeks after my initial tasting to reassess, but not much changed.

Eager to sample a spirit frequently enjoyed by a character from the show "BILLIONS". I consider this the finest American whiskey I have ever encountered (excluding bourbons). Contains 43% alcohol and has a russet-colored hue. On the nose, it's pleasant and intricate. It begins quite sweet, with notes of sugar, bananas, and powdered sugar. With a little aeration, it develops fruity and citrus tones, featuring orange and lemon peel. Ultimately, it transforms into lemon pie. On the palate, it's AMAZING. I even awarded it 27 out of 25 to give it bonus points. Flavors of orange, apricot, a pleasing oakiness, ginger, pepper, and a hint of smoke, with a very dense, chewable texture. The finish is brief but wonderful. Like an immediate ginger blast, enjoyable. Overall, I assign this excellent spirit a score of 97 out of 100 and endorse it.

I've had this bottle for four years. My storage methods involve keeping all my whiskey away from light, maintaining a stable temperature in my climate-controlled home, and using a nitrogen-argon barrier to prevent oxidation. My assumption is that there would be minimal degradation despite being open for an extended period. This particular pour was slightly muted. Nothing negative. Nothing exceptional. Very sippable and enjoyable. Given how difficult it has become to find these Michter's Toasted Barrels at retail prices, I likely wouldn't purchase another. However, I might consider getting one if the opportunity arose to share with others, as it's a pleasant (NOT GREAT) bottle to have on hand. In my opinion, there are numerous superior bottles available at or below the $100 mark. Cheers.

Nose: toasted marshmallow, white cake, vanilla icing, coconut, wood, nutmeg, baking spices Taste: wood, toasted marshmallow, mint, caramel, cinnamon, vanilla Finish: A medium, mellow finish with hints of minty herbs and sweet marshmallows Quite distinct, one of the best noses I've encountered on a bourbon. The cake and marshmallow notes are delightful. The palate doesn't quite match the nose's impressiveness, but it's still enjoyable. It begins with the classic trio (vanilla, oak, caramel) before moving into sweeter territory and concluding with herbal notes. It's polarizing; some adore it, others dislike it. I'm in the former camp.