Dan McKee - BourbonSphere

Making the “World’s Most Admired” Whiskies

Louisville’s Michter’s Distillery took top honors in the 2023 Drinks International survey to find the “world’s most admired” whiskey brand. Andrea Wilson is the Master… Read More

Louisville’s Michter’s Distillery took top honors in the 2023 Drinks International survey to find the “world’s most admired” whiskey brand. Andrea Wilson is the Master of Maturation for Michter’s, as well as the company’s chief operating officer, and has the final say on any whisky that carries the Michter’s name. We’ll talk with Andrea about the pressure of living up to that reputation, as well as her Hall of Fame whisky-making career, on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Kentucky lawmakers have approved a bill to close loopholes in the state’s Vintage Distilled Spirits Law. We’ll have the details on that and the rest of the week’s whisky news, including a rare collaboration between Australia’s Starward Whisky and Lagavulin.

Episode 1050: March 31, 2024

Michter’s Announces New Release of 10 Year Rye

Michter’s has announced the latest release of their 10 year rye. This the first release of this variety since July of last year. Master Distiller Dan McKee says:Our goal is to make the greatest American whiskey. We would love to be able to offer m…

Michter's has announced the latest release of their 10 year rye. This the first release of this variety since July of last year.

Master Distiller Dan McKee says:

Our goal is to make the greatest American whiskey. We would love to be able to offer more of it, but we simply won't do so until the whiskey is ready at the standard our loyal Michter's drinkers expect. I do think that we have some good news to share in that respect, which is why I am so happy to introduce the 2023 release of Michter's 10 Year Rye.

This release comes in with a suggested price of $200 per bottle (up from $185 last year). It comes in 92.8 proof (46.4% alcohol) and carries the following 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.

2022 Release ($185)

2021 Release ($170)

2020 Release ($160)

2019 Release ($160)

My Take

I said last year with the price increases, it wouldn't be long until this retails for $200 or more... That day came sooner than I expected as another price increase is being passed on.

My opinion of this hasn't changed... $200 is a lot of money to pay for a single bottle... especially if it isn't barrel proof. For me, this is a pass as I don't think it's unique enough to justify the $200 price tag.

What do you think? Drop a note in the comments below.

Source: Michter's Distillery

Michter’s Announces 2022 Edition of 20 Year Bourbon

Michter’s has announced that the 2022 bottling of their 20-year bourbon will begin shipping to retailers starting in November. Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee says: With the extra attention given to the older barrels, it’s releases…

Michter's has announced that the 2022 bottling of their 20-year bourbon will begin shipping to retailers starting in November.

Michter's Master Distiller Dan McKee says:

With the extra attention given to the older barrels, it's releases like the 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon that make me proud of our maturing team and all of their hard work in aging these beautiful whiskeys.

The year's release comes in at 114.2 proof (57.1% alcohol) and carries an MSRP of a whopping $1200 and carries the following tasting notes:

Intense notes of black cherry, rich molasses, honeysuckle, roasted pecans, toasted charred oak

My Take

Oof... $1200 is a lot to pay for a single bottle of bourbon... especially when the 2021 edition of the Michter's 20-year had a $750 MSRP. If this comes to Ohio, I'd expect to see it in the OHLQ expensive bourbon lottery that usually happens in early November. For me, paying that much for a single bottle is a hard pass.

What are your thoughts? Drop a comment in the box below.

March 10, 2022 - Michter's Introduces 2022 Release of US*1 Barrel Strength Rye

November 9, 2021 - Michter's To Release 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

November 14, 2019 - Michter's Announces 20 Year Bourbon - Coming in November

Source: Michter's Distillery

Michter’s To Release 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

While the Michter’s 25 is being made available via a State lottery, Michter’s has announced the release of a new 20 year bourbon releasing this month. The 2021 edition will mark the first release of Michter’s 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon sinc…

While the Michter's 25 is being made available via a State lottery, Michter's has announced the release of a new 20 year bourbon releasing this month. The 2021 edition will mark the first release of Michter's 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon since 2019.

Michter's President Joseph J. Magliocco states of this release:

I really enjoy this release because the barrels that our Master Distiller Dan McKee and our Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson selected for it are so layered and rich.

This release comes in with a 114.2 proof (57.1% ABV), and the suggested U.S. retail price of $750. The tasting notes are intense notes of black cherry, rich molasses, honeysuckle, roasted pecans, and toasted charred oak.

My Take

No word on if this will be available in Ohio. If it is, expect to see it in one of the many, many, many, many lotteries that the Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has throughout the year.

In terms of the product, $750 is a hefty price for one bottle. If you're a hardcore collector, or looking to celebrate a special occasion, this could be something to go for... additionally, even though it's illegal in Ohio to resell bottles, a quick search shows a previous bottle of this going for $9999.99 so... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Source: Michter's Distillery