Hannah’s Michter’s Bourbon Review
Original review written February 25, 2020
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Sugary sweetness pairs fantastically with natural fruit sugars in this Michter’s Bourbon. Matched with oak AND solid spices makes for an extremely well-rounded bourbon. Read my Michter’s Bourbon Review here! 94/100
VITALS:
– Made In: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Michter’s Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Small Batch (Batch: 18L1814)
– Age: nas
– Mash Bill: Corn=79%; Rye=11%; Malted Barley=10%
– Casks: Char #3
– Barrel Entry Proof: 103
– ABV: 45.7% (91.4 proof)
– Price: $41.95 USD (2018) in Idaho
– Limited Availability
Visit michters.com for more information
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I enjoyed the juice neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.
Check out his review for this bourbon here!
SETTING:
With the light and bright attitude of this one, have a pour of Michter’s in a butterfly garden, where the air is sweet with fruity and flowery perfumes. The colors are vibrant and the sun is shining in her full glory, and the butterflies make for a simple and peaceful time of nostalgic reflection and introspection.
Photo by Boris Smokrovic on Unsplash
NOSE:
The first inhale pops with a rich and deep oak/caramel mixture, with allspice tying the two together with a heavy nutmeg hand. There is a dark vanilla component that is coupled with the smallest bit of hazelnuts, making for a complex sweet yet simultaneously bitter nose.
For fruit, I find a very subtle apricot and maybe a little bit of peach.
Though it’s a sweet nose, there is a very dark and intense vibe that makes my mouth water. Looking forward to the sip on this one.
PALATE:
– Mouth Feel: Rough in the way that is reminiscent of peach fuzz – YUM.
– Balance: Despite heavy fruit, I think there’s enough bite to keep the balance solid.
– Visual: Russet muscat in color, there are many legs dropping from a well-defined inverted crown, complete with droplets.
– Taste: I have tasted peaches in a dram, but I have never had them so immediately apparent before. With them here is a cream element that instantly makes me long for summer.
Despite having such a dominant fruit component, the remaining sweetness seems to derive from a simple syrup and a pinch of nutmeg that is just strong enough to make for a short, entertaining nip.
Otherwise, the alcohol is so subdued that I almost feel like it’s juice – not that I’m complaining. It’s delicious, just not at all what I’ve come to anticipate from bourbons.
I can also find some light oak, which acts as a gentle carrier of the peaches and proving to still be a solid foundation.
A Kentucky chew allows cherries to burst in alongside the peaches with the alcohol still being gentle. The only detectable heat – freshly ground white pepper – makes the chew very enjoyable.
FINISH:
– Lasting Power: Long. I wouldn’t say that the warmth is particularly persistent; however, the flavors refuse to abandon my palate.
– Between Sips: Peaches remain dominant, but I do recognize some cherries trying to sneak in with some caramel and cinnamon. Yep, color me happy.
– No More: Distinguishable fruit flavors diminish as I get deeper into the glass, but a natural fruit sweetness remains along with the finishing notes of allspice and oak. No complaints here.
The empty Glencairn is sweet and oaky, the perfect ending to a great pour. I’m already looking forward to having this again.
WORTH THE PRICE?
At the time of purchase, 2018, this was just over $40 USD in Idaho. At this price, I find this bourbon an absolute steal (and I’d be willing a bit more for it too if the price has since increased).
RATING: 94/100
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To access other whiskies from this distillery, click Michter’s.
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