whiskey review

Michter’s US*1 American Whiskey Review

Michters American Whiskey

Michter’s Unblended American Whiskey.  Why not just call it bourbon?  Bourbon needs to be aged in new charred oak barrels.  The key word there is “new.”  Michter’s ages this particular whiskey in used oak barrels (think Scotch).  The label states it’s unblended because the whiskey is not blended with neutral grain spirit.

The sample I received is from batch #15E473.  This is bottled at 83.4 proof.  A bottle of Michter’s Unblended American Whiskey will cost you around $40.

Right up front on the nose is rich with sweet toffee and buttered corn.  There’s also very light touch of rye and baking spices.  Upon entry, Michter’s American Whiskey seems one-note with the toffee note from the nose.  Then, out of nowhere buttered rye toast, corn mash and some vanilla arrive late to the party.  I do wish it were a little fuller in mouthfeel, but that could be due to the low proof and/or filtration.  Mint takes us to the medium-length finish, which is slightly spicy and a tad sweet.

Impressive.  I really like what Michter’s did here with their maturation. Regardless of it’s lighter mouthfeel, this whiskey manages to maintain a high level of richness and wonderful flavors at a price that won’t break the bank.

8/10
(Note: A review sample was provided by Michter’s.)

Michter’s US*1 Sour Mash Whiskey Review

Michters Sour Mash

We’re kicking off a week of Michter’s reviews with a look at their Sour Mash whiskey.  Sour Mash is the method of using a portion of previously fermented mash to start a new mash.  The process helps pH levels in the mash, affecting overall flavor of the final whiskey.

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Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel – Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey Review

Photo courtesy Jack Daniel's

Photo courtesy Jack Daniel’s

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof, the newest member of the Jack Daniel’s family, is hitting shelves August 2015 at a suggested retail price of $65.  When I heard the news, I couldn’t wait to try this whiskey.  I’m a fan of their Single Barrel, and thoroughly enjoyed their Sinatra Select release.  Now we get a single barrel whiskey from them at barrel proof, unfiltered and uncut.  This is the closest most of us will ever get to tasting what Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett samples on a regular basis in the barrel warehouses.  It’s virtually the same thing he’s tasting.

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