Fresh from Michter’s is a Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey. This is the barrel strength version of their widely available 84.8 proof US*1 Single Barrel Rye. Each barrel differs slightly in taste and proof, ranging from 108 proof to 113 proof. (Note: The Michter’s team sent me a sample bottle for review.) My sample bottle comes in at a hearty 110.2 proof. There’s no age statement here, but we do know that the barrel entry proof was 103. Well, how is it?
On the nose, I get a large concentration of toffee and rye spice. Behind that was some sour apple and orange rind. I also caught a little bit of nutmeg and ethanol fume. The entry is sweet caramel, followed by rye spice and cinnamon. The rye spice note isn’t dominant, so I wonder if this barely makes the 51% rye requirement to be a straight rye whiskey. Just like on the nose, there is a bit of that apple note, except here it’s more of a sweet candied apple. The finish is long, warm, and cinnamon-tinged.
The company isn’t disclosing the mash bill or where they are sourcing the whiskey from. No matter: Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey is fantastic. This rye whiskey is pretty easily drinkable for a 110 proof whiskey. A credit to Michter’s for managing that feat. This whiskey is available on a limited basis, so be on the lookout. A 750ml bottle should run about $75.
8.5/10
