Whiskey is such a subjective thing.  While I may really enjoy something, you may not.  Or vice versa.  Neither person is right or wrong, mind you.

I say that because I get very split opinions on Michter’s 10. Some people tell me they absolutely love the bourbon. Others tell me recent releases of Michter’s 10-year-old bourbons aren’t good.  “They don’t hold a candle to older bottlings” is another one I hear.    My answer is usually the same – I haven’t tasted older bottlings, and I happen to like the current releases.  I certainly respect everyone’s opinions.  After all, this blog is filled with my opinions. With so many whiskey bloggers out there, it’s important to find a reviewer who tends to have similar tastes as you.

With that said…

This month marks the latest bottling of Michter’s 10-year-old single barrel bourbon.  Both Master Distiller Pamela Heilmann AND Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson have approved the barrels for release.  The two are choosing barrels based on a certain taste profile, though they have to be at least 10 years old.  On a recent episode of WhiskyCast, Heilmann stated the barrels chosen were actually 12 years old.

My sample came from barrel 18B202.  Michter’s 10-year-old bourbon is bottled at 94.4 proof and is available for $120.

The nose is a touch muted at first, but opens up after a few minutes in the glass.  Patience certainly pays off.  There are hints of toffee, burnt orange peel, cinnamon sticks and allspice.  On the palate, nougat, mulling spices and candied fruits appear first.  Waves of vanilla begin to arrive mid-palate, followed by more cinnamon-dominated spices and slightly astringent toasted oak.  One odd thing… the whiskey does feel a touch thin on the mid-palate.  I usually find Michter’s releases to have a rich mouthfeel.  The medium-length finish is spicy and dry.

Overall, the April 2018 release of Michter’s 10-year-old bourbon is quite enjoyable and comes with a high recommendation.  The problem is finding it close to retail pricing, as a lot of retailers seem to raise their prices for this bourbon.  If you do happen across one close to the suggested $120 price, pull the trigger and buy one.  You won’t regret it. 8.5/10

Michters.com

Thanks to Michter’s for the sample.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.