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Michter’s

It’s All About the Whiskey

The Michter’s team spares no expense in its efforts to produce the greatest American whiskey possible. Tremendous attention is given to every step in the production process, including details like yeast selection; fermentation temperatures; distillation; wood selection and drying of staves; toasting and/or charring barrels; barreling proof; temperature and air flow conditions in the barrel rickhouse; identifying the peak maturation for bottling; and filtration protocol.

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Michter’s celebrates an extraordinarily rich heritage that traces back to 1753.

US★1 KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON

45.7% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

Michter’s US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is made from a carefully selected mashbill that features the highest quality American corn. It is then matured to the peak of perfection. Truly “small batch,” each batch of our US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is batched in a holding tank sized to fit a maximum of twenty full barrels, leaving no margin for “blending out” imperfection and thus necessitating excellence from every barrel. Reflecting the spirit of the Bluegrass State, Michter’s US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is nuanced, mellow and earthy. Michter’s US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is also available with personalized Fort Nelson Select labeling at Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery.

PRODUCTION: Small batch. Limited quantities.
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 91.4 proof (45.7% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: Fire–charred, new American white oak barrels
TASTING NOTES: Rich caramel with balanced vanilla, stone fruit notes, smoky depth, with an oak finish

US★1 KENTUCKY STRAIGHT RYE

42.4% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

Renowned for rye – America’s oldest whiskey variety – since the earliest days of our history, we take the production of Michter’s US★1 Kentucky Straight Rye extremely seriously. Our Michter’s US★1 Kentucky Straight Rye is made from select American rye grain that is sheared to maximize the extraction of flavor from the grain. Ideal neat or in cocktails, every bottle comes from a single barrel – a unique attribute reflecting our extraordinary commitment to offering Kentucky Straight Rye whiskey of the absolute highest quality at every level of the Michter’s range. Michter’s US★1 Kentucky Straight Rye is also available with personalized Fort Nelson Select labeling at Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery.

PRODUCTION: Single barrel. Limited quantities.
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 84.8 proof (42.4% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: Fire–charred, new American white oak barrels
TASTING NOTES: Spice with peppery notes, citrus, butterscotch, oak

US★1 AMERICAN WHISKEY

41.7% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

Unlike bourbon or rye, which, by definition, must be aged in new oak barrels, our US★1 Unblended American Whiskey is aged in a way that utilizes whiskey-soaked barrels to achieve a rich and unique flavor profile. In late 2013, then Master Distiller Willie Pratt agreed to re-release our US★1 Unblended American Whiskey after a nearly three-year absence from the market, deeming it “just right” and “the best it’s ever been.” Crucially, our US★1 Unblended American Whiskey never contains grain neutral spirits – hence its “unblended” distinction.

PRODUCTION: Small batch. Limited quantities.
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 83.4 proof (41.7% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: Whiskey–soaked American white oak barrels
TASTING NOTES: Deep butterscotch and vanilla notes, hints of caramel and dried fruit with a ripened fruit finish

Michter’s US1 Unblended American Whiskey

US★1 SOUR MASH

43% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

During the 1970s and 1980s, Michter’s Original Sour Mash Whiskey was the distillery’s single most popular product. While the “Sour Mash” moniker originated from the whiskey production process of the same name – whereby some previously fermented mash is used as the starter for the new mash to be fermented, much like making sourdough bread – Michter’s Original Sour Mash earned distinction for its unique taste. With its unique grain selection, it cannot be categorized as a rye or a bourbon. After disappearing from the market in 1989, Michter’s Original Sour Mash Whiskey made a triumphant return in 2012 with its introduction into the US★1 line. Staying true to the profile and palate of its predecessor, Michter’s US★1 Sour Mash has quickly become a favorite of whiskey enthusiasts. Upon its being named “Whisky Of The Year” for 2019 by The Whisky Exchange, Michter’s US★1 Sour Mash Whiskey became the first whiskey made in the United States to ever achieve this honor.

PRODUCTION: Small batch. Limited quantities.
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 86 proof (43% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: Fire–charred, new American white oak barrels
TASTING NOTES: Warm toasted burnt sugar notes with spice, sweet, smoky fruit, candied cherries, and honeyed vanilla. Starts out like a bourbon, finishes like a rye.

Michter’s US★1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon

45.7% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

First introduced to great acclaim in the Fall of 2014, Michter’s US★1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon is a groundbreaking whiskey expression. It is made by taking Michter’s US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon and then aging it for an additional period in a second custom made barrel. This second barrel is assembled from 18-month air-dried wood and then toasted but not charred. The truly unique and delicious taste of Michter’s US★1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon represents a remarkable achievement given that it is Kentucky Straight Bourbon with nothing extra added or done except placement in a second toasted barrel.

PRODUCTION: Small batch. Limited quantities.
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 91.4 proof (45.7% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: First Barrel: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
Second Barrel: Toasted barrel made from 18-month air-dried wood
TASTING NOTES: Campfire and cinnamon, with pecan and candied fruit. Lingering finish of baked pears, vanilla, and marshmallow

Michter’s US★1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye

ALC/VOL VARIES

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

While our Michter’s team distills according to tried and true Kentucky practices, it continually experiments as it pursues Michter’s goal of making the greatest American whiskeys. Following years of research on different barrel finishes for rye whiskey, we are proud to offer this release of our Michter’s US★1 Toasted Barrel Rye. To make it we take our US★1 Kentucky Straight Rye at barrel strength and then age it for an additional period in a second custom barrel. This second barrel is assembled from 24 month air-dried wood and then toasted to our specifications. The result is a unique rye whiskey that we take pride in offering to you.

PRODUCTION: Single barrel. Limited quantities.
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
WHISKEY TYPE: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
COOPERAGE: First Barrel: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
Second Barrel: Toasted barrel made from 24 month air-dried wood
BARRELING STRENGTH: 103 Proof
BOTTLING STRENGTH: Each barrel is bottled at its particular alcohol level at the time of bottling.
TASTING NOTES: Enhanced spice notes with delicate chocolate overtones balanced by some vanilla and honey. Hints of roasted nuts and dates, with a lingering finish of burnt brown sugar reminiscent of crème brûlée complemented by some smokey campfire highlights.

Michter’s US★1 Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash

43% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

Upon its being named “Whisky Of The Year” for 2019 by The Whisky Exchange, Michter’s US★1 Sour Mash Whiskey became the first whiskey made in the United States to ever achieve this honor. It is this award winning whiskey that is at the heart of our Toasted Barrel Sour Mash Whiskey. It is made by taking Michter’s US★1 Sour Mash Whiskey and then aging it for an additional period of time in a second custom made barrel. This second barrel is assembled from 18-month air-dried wood and then toasted but not charred. Several different levels of toast for the second barrel were evaluated before our production team led by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson decided on the one that would best display the elegant nuances of this remarkable whiskey.

PRODUCTION: Small batch. Limited quantities.
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 86 proof (43% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: First Barrel: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
Second Barrel: Toasted barrel made from 18-month air-dried wood
TASTING NOTES: Toffee and buttery vanilla notes up front with fragrant honey, milk chocolate, and a hint of orange peel. Mid-palate the toasty campfire notes appear and intensify the cherry and spice notes in this elegant whiskey.

Michter’s US1 Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash Whiskey

Michter’s US★1 Barrel Strength Rye

ALC/VOL VARIES

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

Since the 1990’s, the Michter’s team has been doing pioneering work to re-establish the high quality American rye whiskey category. The May 2015 inaugural release of Michter’s US★1 Barrel Strength Rye marked yet another milestone in that quest. For maturation, the rye distillate is entered into the barrel at 103 proof, rather than a more industry standard higher proof. Barrel entry at a lower proof of 103 rather than a higher proof costs Michter’s more money in terms of barrels and warehousing, but we believe it yields a richer, smoother, more full-bodied whiskey after proper maturation. A single barrel product, each barrel of Michter’s US★1 Barrel Strength Rye is bottled at its particular alcohol level at the time of bottling. The majority of barrels in the releases range from 107 to 112 proof. To savor it is a unique experience for anyone who enjoys rye whiskey.

PRODUCTION: Single barrel. Limited quantities.
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BARRELING STRENGTH: 103 Proof
BOTTLING STRENGTH: Each barrel is bottled at its particular alcohol level at the time of bottling
WHISKEY TYPE: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
COOPERAGE: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
TASTING NOTES: Butterscotch and cinnamon with a hint of cherries on the nose; warming, rich, toasty vanilla and caramel up front with a dry oaky spice on the finish

Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye

46.4% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

One of our most limited production items, Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye continues the legacy of America’s first whiskey variety (rye) from America’s first whiskey company (Michter’s, originally known as Shenk’s). After a nearly three year absence from the market, Michter’s then Master Distiller Willie Pratt finally gave the green light for the re-release of Michter’s 10 Year Straight Rye in April 2014.

PRODUCTION: Single barrel. Limited quantities.
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 92.8 proof (46.4% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
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

Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

47.2% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

Mature in age and truly exceptional in quality, Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon has earned its place as an enduring favorite of the most discerning whiskey connoisseurs. The “Best American Whiskey” according to Food & Wine magazine, our 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon represents the culmination of over a decade of patient aging in specially chosen, new charred American white oak barrels. When a private barrel selection bottling of this whiskey sold for £166,000 (US$ 209,462) at an auction in London on July 12th 2020, it shattered the previous $78,000 record for a barrel of bourbon that had been set at a Christie’s auction.

PRODUCTION: Single barrel. Limited quantities.
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 94.4 proof (47.2% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
TASTING NOTES: Big and bold dark toffee and caramel, charred oak, maple syrup, vanilla

Michter’s 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

57.1% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

While we regularly sample all our Michter’s barrels to see how our whiskey is aging, we pay exceptional attention to our barrels once they are over 17 years old. At Michter’s we consider 17 to 20 years the “Fork In The Road Point” when certain barrels of whiskey can achieve an extraordinary level of quality. It is these particular barrels that our Master Distiller Dan McKee personally selects for our very limited bottling of Michter’s 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

PRODUCTION: Limited release.
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 114.2 proof (57.1% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
TASTING NOTES: Intense notes of black cherry, rich molasses, honeysuckle, roasted pecans, toasted charred oak

Michter's 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Michter’s 25 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

58.1% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

We believe that our 25 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon is as fine as any bourbon ever released throughout Michter’s storied history. This exceptionally flavorful bourbon was distilled from a select mashbill, then matured to perfection for over a quarter of a century in specially chosen, new charred American white oak barrels. We continue to strive to make the best bourbon possible regardless of production cost. We hope you enjoy our Michter’s 25 Year Limited Release Bourbon as a fine emblem of our commitment to excellence.

PRODUCTION: Limited release.
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 116.2 proof (58.1% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
TASTING NOTES: Complex whiskey, great mouthfeel. A symphony of flavors plays at different points on the palate with molasses, holiday spice, chocolate, smoke roasted nuts, dried fruit, melted butter and vanilla providing the highlights.

Michter’s 25 Year Kentucky Straight Rye

58.65% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

Our exceptionally rare 25 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye release continues the legacy of America’s first whiskey variety (rye) from America’s first whiskey company (Michter’s, originally known as Shenk’s). Subjected to the costly evaporation of a quarter century of “Angel’s Share,” our 25 Year Single Barrel Rye continues the Michter’s tradition of sparing no expense in striving to offer the finest whiskey possible.

PRODUCTION: Single barrel. Limited quantities.
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 117.3 proof (58.65% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
TASTING NOTES: A cascade of flavors including rich vanilla, coffee, a hint of orange with crystallized dried fruit, and a spicy pepper finish.

Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash 2013

56.15% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

Released in December 2013, Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash marked a category-defining moment for ultra-premium American whiskey. The extraordinary Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash blend consists of Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Kentucky Straight Rye taken from Michter’s best barrels: some aged over 30 years, some aged over 20 years, and some other truly exceptional barrels – all hand-selected by then Master Distiller Willie Pratt.

PRODUCTION: 2013 release: 273 bottles
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 112.3 proof (56.15% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
TASTING NOTES: Remarkably elegant with notes of warm toasted burnt sugar, baking spices, smoky fruit, and candied cherries.

Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash 2016

58.4% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

The initial 2013 release of Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash marked a category defining moment for ultra-premium American whiskey. It demonstrated that a product made in the United States could be the equal of the very greatest, most revered spirits made anywhere else in the world. Comprised of Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Kentucky Straight Rye taken from the most extraordinary barrels in Michter’s stocks, the 2016 Release of Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash is a unique blend of first-use barrel whiskeys aged anywhere from over one decade to over 30 years old. Those whiskeys were personally chosen by Willie Pratt shortly before he moved on from the position of Michter’s Master Distiller to Michter’s Master Distiller Emeritus.

PRODUCTION: 2016 release: 256 bottles
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 116.8 proof (58.4% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
TASTING NOTES: An astonishingly beautiful cascade of flavors featuring burnt caramel, spices, orange zest, milk chocolate, cherry wood, and honeyed vanilla.

Michter's Celebration Sour Mash 2019

57.8% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

When Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey was released for the first time in 2013, it marked a watershed moment in United States whiskey history. For the first time an American whiskey company was offering a rare blend that could rival the very finest spirits made anywhere else in the world. The 2019 Release of Michter’s Celebration is Dan McKee’s first as Master Distiller of Michter’s. Working closely with Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson, he selected whiskey from six extraordinary barrels, two Kentucky straight bourbon and four Kentucky straight rye, aged anywhere from over a decade to over 30 years old. The result is a magnificent blend where the whole is even greater than the sum of its remarkable parts.

PRODUCTION: 2019 Release: 277 Bottles
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 115.6 proof (57.8% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
TASTING NOTES: The symphony of flavors is highlighted by dark chocolate truffle, savory characteristics, and a hint of spice. There are notes of citrus and pineapple wrapped in the warmth of clove and cinnamon with the lingering richness of candied pecans and maple syrup on the finish.

Michter's Celebration Sour Mash 2022

56.4% ALC/VOL

DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN KENTUCKY

In pursuit of its goal of offering the greatest American whiskey, Michter’s first released its Celebration Sour Mash in 2013. This watershed moment in United States whiskey history marked the first time that an American company was offering a rare blend intended to rival the finest spirits made anywhere else in the world. For this release, Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee consulted with Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson. He selected whiskey from seven extraordinary barrels, three Kentucky Straight Bourbon and four Kentucky Straight Rye, with the youngest being over 12 years old and the oldest being over 30 years old. The fourth ever release of Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash, the 2022 Edition, is McKee’s second.

PRODUCTION: 2022 Release: 328 Bottles
STATE OF DISTILLATION: Kentucky
BOTTLING STRENGTH: 112.8 proof (56.4% Alcohol by Volume)
COOPERAGE: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
TASTING NOTES: A remarkable combination of elegance and depth of flavor. One sip of this decadent whiskey begins a cascade of flavors highlighted by dark rich caramel, orange citrus, vanilla bean, honey and milk chocolate as well as notes of molasses and crème brulee.