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