Review #141 Michter's 10yr Single Barrel Rye: Rye

Score: 9.2 / 10

Distillery: Michter's Distillery

Type: Kentucky Rye Whiskey

Michter's has a long and storied history that dates back to 1753, when the original distillery was established in Pennsylvania by John Shenk. The distillery changed hands several times over the years before being resurrected as Michter's Distillery in the 1990s.

The distillery is known for its attention to detail and use of traditional methods in its whiskey-making process. The company uses small-batch production methods and charred oak barrels to create its distinctive flavor profile, and its whiskey is aged for longer than many other American whiskies to allow for greater complexity and depth of flavor.

That attention to depth and flavor is very well executed in their 10 yr expressions. Truly making it one of the best whiskey brands that money can buy.

Whiskey Review:

Nose: Spearmint, grassy, dill, light vanilla, earthy brown sugar, touch of cola intermingled with tart apple cider, and toasted wood. Nose to the top of the glass unveils black forest cake (got some Tootsie Pop here), nose to the bottom of the glass yields much more earthy and floral flavors.

Palate: Grass and dill hit the palate immediately, and then transition into a nice butterscotch and apple that sits prominently in the center of the mouth all while maintaining a juicy mouthfeel. Light spiked apple cider and pepper linger on the back-end. On the second sip there's a delightful melon citrus that coats the palate which oscillates between fruity and cinnamon apple notes. Minty cherry cola, black cherry, fennel (licorice), and lemon round out the back-end.

Finish: Rye spice with a touch of hay. Creamy white chocolate sits on the center of the tongue with some apple rind and candied banana as an ember of spice slowly fades on the sides of the mouth. Spearmint and lemon citrus lightly bounce around the palate and fade away.

Score: 9.2

Scale:

S+ Sensational - The Pinnacle (9.5+)

A - AXEceptional (astounding) (9-9.5)

B - bravo (step aBove average) (8-8.9)

C - competent (7-7.9)

D - disappointing (6-6.9)

F - flush it down the toilet (fail) (5.9 below)

Notes: Availability? Rare. Unfotunatley this comes with an extreme allocation tag. I amlost never see it on the shelf and it's generally marked to secondary other places. If you can't find it at a decent price, I would recommend trading for it.