Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Bourbon Review (2024)
In-Depth Review
Michter’s is a brand well-known for doing their fair share of limited release whiskies. From their classic 10 year single barrel bourbon and rye, to their 20, 25, and Celebration whiskies, Michter’s has never shied away from creating a bit of hype around their whiskies. And while many of those whiskies are household names – one may have slipped under your radar. Enter Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Bourbon. Created as a single barrel, barrel strength version of their beloved US*1 bourbon, Michter’s maintains very, very limited distribution of this expression with their website noting that it is currently only available in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. After numerous trips to Kentucky, I can confirm that I have only ever seen this offered at their Louisville distillery giftshop and as part of the Bottle Your Own tour.
On my last trip to Kentucky, I was able to secure this bottle from barrel 24C1437 which was bottled at a hefty (for Michter’s) 110.8 proof. It had a retail price of around $110, and features distillate direct from Michter’s Shively distillery. If you’re lucky enough to schedule a Bottle Your Own tour at the distillery, you are given the chance to pour your own bottle of this directly from the barrel! It may add a bit to the cost but is well worth it for the experience. But enough with the setup, let’s dive in and see what a higher barrel strength Michter’s bourbon tastes like!
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 55.4% (Barrel 24C1437)
Cask: New Oak
MSRP: $110
Distillery Name: Michter’s Distillery
Review Date: 11/23/24
Color: Rich, Dark Caramel
Nose: On first nosing, all I could think was… wow. It jumps out of the glass with a rich cherry note mixed with roasted walnuts, demerara sugar, dark cocoa, molasses and stewed fruits. There’s a big vintage wood note followed by a rich, fruity, cherry caramel cordial. This feels like it has significant age on it, with layers upon layers of oak, dark caramelized sugars, and a vintage Big Cherry candy note. Truly a fantastic nose that will keep you coming back to the glass.
Palate: It’s hard to believe that the palate could be better than the nose but the first sip doesn’t disappoint. Crème Brûlée, Luxardo cherry, and poached stone fruit intermix with a freshly made graham cracker and marshmallow smore. As you continue to sip, the mouthfeel is viscous and heavy on the tongue, with a rich, syrupy sweet, mouth coating character. The palate is unmistakable classic Kentucky bourbon – just cranked up to 11.
Finish: Long finish full of maple syrup, toffee, and a heavy load of barrel char and oak. Baking spices like clove and cardamon make an appearance, lingering between sips and rounding out an incredible sipping experience.
Final Thoughts: Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength bourbon may be one of the most rewarding “if you know, you know” pours in all of Kentucky. With little fanfare, and extremely limited distribution, Michter’s Barrel Strength Bourbon features one of the most alluring, and inviting noses in all of bourbon. And while this is a single barrel (so your experience may vary), every time I have had a chance to have a pour, I have come away impressed. If you ever find yourself in Louisville and have a free morning, I suggest waiting in line at the distillery for a chance to grab one of these – it’s well worth the time. This is a deep, heavy, pour that is a perfect dessert on a cold winter night. If there was an equivalent to a sherry bomb in bourbon, this would be it. It’s Michter’s at full throttle. Complex and brooding, Michter’s Barrel Strength Bourbon is an ode to exceptional Kentucky bourbon – making this easily one of the best pours I have reviewed this year.
Score: 95
