Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Rye (2024)
In-Depth Review
Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Rye isn’t on everyone’s Christmas list – but it should be. It remains one of the last remaining, “If you know, you know” bottles of Kentucky’s limited release frenzy, and can fly under the radar for all but the most well-read enthusiasts. After all, why would someone pay $200 for a single barrel that’s “only” 10 years old and clocks in at only 92.8 proof? Surely there are better ways to spend your money in the world of rye. But year, after year, Michter’s proves that they simply are playing a different game than the rest of us. Their 10 year single barrel expressions have remained consistently fantastic for more than a decade – often outshining other more sought after and higher proof expressions from blue chip Kentucky distilleries. So, what makes these so special?
Michter’s just does things differently. They aren’t interested in keeping up with the latest Hazmat trends, aren’t in the business of hurrying the process, or releasing bottles that aren’t up to their standard. They would rather take years off from releasing an expression than release something sub-par (this happened in 2022 with their 10 year bourbon which they ended up not releasing due to less than ideal quality) and aren’t above releasing these on their own schedule – away from the typical heavy release months. Partially due to a much lower barrel entry proof of 103 (versus the industry standard 125), this 10 year rye comes in at only 92.8 proof – far lower than many other limited releases in this price category.
For 2024, I was lucky enough to secure this for a little under its MSRP of $200 from a local store. In true rye fashion, I am opening it close to the holidays as the weather in LA turns from warm, to slightly less warm.
Age: 10 Years
ABV: 46.4%
Cask: New oak
MSRP: $199
Distillery Name: Michter’s Distillery
Review Date: 12/23/24
Color: Dark Chestnut
Nose: Wow. The nose starts heavy, with sour cherries, dark chocolate, molasses, and a bit of medicinal cough syrup (in the best way possible). As it settles, orange marmalade, juicy fruit gum, and a small hint of rye spice appear. There’s a heavy sweetness that blossoms into a well-balanced, rounded nose that borders on vintage funk. It’s a fantastic nose that reminds me of some older Willett ryes.
Palate: On the palate, there are more candied cherries, strong oak, crème brulee, butterscotch almond toffee, and orange. The sweetness from the nose follows through here, giving a rich, molasses-like texture that makes for a viscous and oily mouthfeel. Despite the strong personality, its gentle and inviting with its lower proof bursting with flavors. As I sip, only the slightest hint of minty freshness pokes through. The midpalate features more oak and barrel spice, with a drying character that leads into the finish.
Finish: Medium length finish with more mint, cherry cough syrup, and more of the typical rye spice I found missing on the palate. There’s clove, spearmint, and an herbal freshness counterbalanced by dusty oak and a drying barrel char. This one reminds you it’s a rye before it says goodbye.
Final Thoughts: Michter’s 2024 iteration of their 10 Year Single Barrel Rye wow’d me on first pour. Its nose was gorgeous, its palate was sweet and inviting, but as I kept sipping, it’s finish felt a bit pedestrian. Its finish felt a touch predictable, and perhaps a little too tame- but that is a small price to pay for an otherwise excellent pour.
As rye gets old, it gets deep. And the latest version from Michter’s definitely goes deep – sometimes bordering on vintage with its incredibly rich, sweet, viscous character. Crafted by the masters Dan McKee and Andrea Wilson, it feels careful and intentional - delicate, and deliberate – a testament to the power of lower barrel entry proof and the Michter’s process. This a great sipper that can give you some of that vintage funk for a fraction of the vintage price. And while it’s MSRP has crept ever higher, it remains a great pour that sets the standard for what lower proof rye can taste like.
