Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon (2021 Release)

Nose: Abundant caramel and vanilla on the nose, with marshmallow covered in a thin cherry candy shell. A very slight hint of oak emerges later as brown sugar. A truly fantastic aroma. Body: Medium. Palate: Immediate white pepper, followed by less vanilla and caramel than on the nose, and more sugary, fruity flavors. A subtle smoky note from barrel char, but predominantly sweet candied citrus fruit. A touch of oak appears on the final sips. Finish: It's long, characterized by candied orange rather than smoke, and very pleasant. As I let it linger, I realize the finish is exceptionally long, which I really appreciate. The whiskey remains present for minutes after a sip. Note: This sample was provided by 1010. I'm eager to try it. Consumed neat. The finish bears a resemblance to the orange flavor I detect on the palate of an older Fitz 14. This is a very sweet whiskey. I'm very fond of it. Almost love it, but it lacks the smokiness and depth I truly cherish. It possesses a lasting sweetness that I find highly appealing. Delicious. From a 2023 Michigan trip, I opened a bottle purchased in Wisconsin. It's good, but not exceptional. I'm detecting significant cherry and wood notes. It wasn't served in a snifter. I like it, but I was somewhat let down. I had forgotten I'd already sampled this. Regardless, it was enjoyable to share with friends.

Tasted neat, 2 ounces in a glen cairn glass. Nose: Candy corn and toasted marshmallows. Caramel and smoke are present, with a subtle hint of fresh strawberry tartness in the background. The aroma is sweet. Palate: Sweet corn, marshmallow, a touch of apricot preserves, and some BBQ smokehouse essence. The flavor is sweet and comforting, with a slight sting from the alcohol. The only drawback is the mouthfeel might be a little too light. Finish: A medium finish with enjoyable chewy butterscotch. The strawberry tartness noted on the nose and the apricot preserves are the final flavors to emerge. This is a very satisfying finish. Overall: To be clear, I do not detect any of the notes described by the primary reviewer. My palate might simply not be refined enough. Releases from this distillery that involve toasted barrels can be inconsistent. I typically enjoy the toasted rye versions, find the toasted sour mash a bit thin and lacking proof, and the bourbon can either be perfect or have a doughy texture like uncooked pizza dough. This year's expression is excellent! The secondary barrel aging imparts wonderful toasted marshmallow flavors to a good bourbon. This year's release is sweeter, but not one-dimensionally so. Well executed!

It's remarkable how the toasted barrel treatment softened this. More caramel and vanilla on the nose, unlike the untoasted version which had citrus; the harshness is gone, it's now very smooth, with a great thick body, subtle hints of smoke and root beer on the palate, baking spices like ginger and licorice emerge, then the toast and peanut notes appear. The finish is medium to long, dry, and oaky, with a warm sensation. An excellent barrel finish.

This distillery excels again with their toasted barrel expression. The nose has floral and dark fruit notes. The initial taste was very intricate, almost to the point of being overwhelming. After letting it sit for approximately five minutes, I revisited it. Vanilla extract lingered on the palate with a sweet spice. An excellent, full mouthfeel. All the expected flavors were present throughout the experience.

Aroma- Smells like toothpaste and vanilla. Almost no discernible scent. Taste- Sweet marshmallow and cream soda… a hint of maple. … slightly smoky… smooth… a little spicy. Overall - I don't understand the excitement. Honestly, this didn't meet my expectations. It's quite disappointing for its price. At $80, this tastes more like a $40 bourbon.

Nose: Peanut butter and peanut brittle. Cherry. Mild pepper. Complex and intriguing. Taste: Smooth, cola, balanced, pepper, deep, creamy, distinct caramels. Finish: Rounded, balanced, smooth, good lingering sensation, unsalted peanut. Overall: Very enjoyable. Complex. Sophisticated. Balanced. An outstanding and unique offering.