Review #71 Michter's Toasted Barrel Finish: Rye

Score: 9.4 / 10

Distillery: Michter's Fort Nelson

Type: Kentucky Straight Rye

If you look online in any whiskey groups, everyone is talking about this. And for good reason. This may actually be Po It Up whiskey podcasts shoe-in for Rye of the year 2020. Stay tuned for that episode we will see.

Michter's is putting out great stuff from all their US-1 varieties from small batch, 10yr, and many other expressions. I personally think it's only going to get better from here. There is a great element of care that goes into the whiskey. Master distiller Dan McKee and his appointed tasting panel does not let this whiskey go to market until it is tasted and deemed ready. This all wraps up into making one of the best whiskey brands.

Whiskey Review:

Nose: Dense campfire smoke meets toasted marshmallows and rye spice. Delectable brown sugar, cinnamon and baked apple (homemade apple pie) join the mix. A lemon meringue hides in the background.

Palate: The mouthfeel is oily, but thoroughly coating. Rye spice and cinnamon ramp up immediately as lemon citrus and stone fruit burst beneath the heat.

This is where things get strange... this rye has an indescribable dynamic drinking experience and can pivot into what feels like an entirely new whiskey with each sip. The second sip is inexplicably mellow and brings out a smokey vanilla with caramel and toasted sugar with an intense tannic mouthfeel that hits mid sip.

The third sip becomes a luge of citrus that's juicy with big cinnamon spice on the back-end that ramps up and fades quickly. I find myself asking, what is this? And what am I drinking each time I take a sip?

Finish: Long finish. It lets you know that you been drinking a spicy rye and dries out the mouth immediately, however the tongue remains juicy which makes it a crave-able drinking experience. Astringent but inviting toasted oak pairs nicely with light chocolate and cereal notes.

Score: 9.4

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? Uncommon - Rare. You won't find this at any small places. It is not impossible to find, but it is becoming very sought after. So if you get the announcement early I would consider heading out relatively soon.....