BOTTLE DETAILS
- DISTILLER: Michter’s Distillery
- MASH BILL: Not disclosed, but at least 51 percent rye
- SINGLE BARREL: 24C1485
- AGE: 10 years
- YEAR: 2024
- PROOF: 92.8 (46.4% ABV)
- MSRP: $200
- BUY ONLINE: Not available through Michter’s company store
STEVE’S NOTES
SHARE WITH: Drinkers who like and appreciate well-aged whiskeys.
WORTH THE PRICE: If $200 bottles are attainable for you, yes. It’s a little steep for me, but that doesn’t diminish the greatness inside the bottle.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar
OVERALL: I could sum up this review easily by writing, “Duh, it’s Michter’s 10-Year Rye. There’s nothing to dislike about this, so get it if you can find it.” But that’s not as fun as pointing to that classic nose of bubble gum, dried flowers and fruit pastries. The barrel has a say, of course, introducing spice and tannin sotto voce, while letting tropical fruit and bruleed sugar speak a bit louder. A few sips bring out the common (to me, at least) campfire note that moves to the center palate and leaves it tingling pleasantly and a little dry. Despite its delicate form, this whiskey begs to be sipped with big, fatty meats–smoked beef would be my preference–prosciutto sliced country ham or with rich sorghum caramel. Leave the Cabs and Merlots behind, and drink this whiskey with your next indulgent plate of grilled bovine or swine.
For years, this bottle hovered near $150 before creeping slowly up to the $200 mark. That moves it into the “luxury buy” category and out of my budget. But knowing Michter’s smart market positioning, it’s designed for that market segment anyway. Count me lucky to taste it gratis.
BRAND NOTES
The barrels released for this 2024 bottling were approved by Michter’s master of maturation, Andrea Wilson. Wilson observed, “What strikes me about the 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye is its elegance and complexity without being spice dominant. The spice is beautifully integrated with hints of floral notes, fruit, honey, citrus and chocolate that create a wonderfully balanced experience perfect for a summer evening.”
TASTING NOTES: Deep notes of vanilla and toffee, toasted almonds and cinnamon with an ample dose of crushed pepper and a hint of orange citrus.
Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.
