Unveiling Michter's Whiskey: A Kentucky Distilling Legacy

With a rich history dating back to the 18th century, Michter's has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest spirits in the world. Take a closer look at this brand with Pascale’s Wine and Liquors, located at 105 Towne Drive, Fayetteville, NY 13066.

History and Heritage

Michter's Whiskey traces its roots to 1753 when founder John Shenk established his distillery in Pennsylvania. Originally known for producing rye whiskey, the distillery earned a loyal following among discerning whiskey enthusiasts. However, like many distilleries of its time, Michter's fell victim to the challenges of Prohibition and changing market dynamics, eventually ceasing operations in the mid-20th century.

The brand experienced several ownership changes and closures throughout the 20th century. However, in the 1990s, a group of investors led by Joseph Magliocco acquired the rights to the Michter's name and set out to revive the brand. Committed to honoring the legacy of Michter's, they established a new home in Kentucky.

Over the years, Michter's has gained a reputation for producing some of the finest bourbons and whiskeys on the market. Their lineup includes a range of expressions that have garnered critical acclaim among whiskey enthusiasts.

The Range of Michter's Products

Michter's US★1 Bourbon

Michter's US★1 Bourbon typically features a "low-rye" mash bill. While the exact proportions may vary slightly from batch to batch, Michter's is known for using a higher percentage of corn in its mash bill compared to rye or barley. This results in a sweeter and more approachable bourbon, with less spicy or peppery notes commonly associated with higher-rye mash bills.

Michter's US★1 Bourbon is aged in new, charred American white oak barrels, as is required by law for all bourbons. These barrels are carefully selected to ensure they impart desirable flavors to the bourbon as it matures.

They are stored in specially designed warehouses where they are exposed to natural temperature fluctuations, causing the whiskey to expand and contract within the wood, further enhancing its flavor complexity.

The aging process for Michter's bourbon typically spans several years, during which the whiskey interacts with the wood of the barrels, extracting compounds like vanillin, tannins, and lignins that contribute to its flavor profile.

Michter's US★1 Rye

The brand's rye is known for its bold, spicy character and rich complexity, making it a favorite among fans of rye whiskey. Beyond its spiciness, Michter's US★1 Rye offers a complex array of flavors that unfold with each sip. You may detect hints of dried fruit, such as cherry or apricot, along with undertones of vanilla, caramel, and oak from the aging process.

Despite its bold flavors, Michter's US★1 Rye is remarkably smooth and well-balanced. The whiskey undergoes careful distillation and aging, resulting in a spirit that retains its character while offering a velvety texture and approachable finish.

Michter's US★1 Sour Mash Whiskey

Michter's US★1 Sour Mash Whiskey is made using a process where a portion of the previously fermented mash (or "sour mash") is added to the new mash, similar to the process used in making sourdough bread. This technique helps to control pH levels and maintain consistency in the fermentation process, resulting in a distinct flavor profile.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Michter's US★1 Sour Mash Whiskey is its versatility and ability to appeal to a wide range of palates, coming up with "special editions," like the Toasted Barrel Finish.

This whiskey undergoes additional aging in barrels that have been toasted rather than charred, imparting unique flavors, including notes of caramelized sugars, toasted oak, and hints of spice. The result is a whiskey with added depth and complexity, appealing to those who appreciate nuanced flavors and innovative aging techniques.

Production Techniques: Small Batch Whiskey Production

With small batch production, Michter's is able to maintain greater control over the whiskey-making process. It allows them to focus on quality rather than quantity, ensuring that each batch receives the attention it deserves. Small batches also allow for greater consistency in flavor and character, as the distillers can closely monitor and adjust each step of production.

One challenge of small batch production, however, is scalability. While it allows for more control and attention to detail, it may limit the volume of whiskey that can be produced. Additionally, maintaining consistency across batches can be more challenging when working on a smaller scale.

Single Barrel Selection Process

Michter's is renowned for its single barrel expressions, where whiskey is bottled from individual barrels rather than being blended with other barrels. The single barrel selection process involves tasting and evaluating each barrel to assess its quality and unique characteristics. Michter's master distiller and blending team meticulously select barrels that meet their standards for flavor, aroma, and balance. This hands-on approach ensures that only the finest barrels are chosen for bottling as single barrel expressions.

Toasted Barrel Finish Technique

Michter's toasted barrel finish technique involves aging whiskey in barrels that have been toasted, rather than charred, prior to filling. This process imparts different flavors and characteristics to the whiskey, compared to traditional charred barrels. It can enhance the whiskey's complexity, adding notes of caramelized sugars, toasted oak, and baking spices, contributing to a smoother mouthfeel and a more nuanced flavor profile.

Collecting and Investing in Michter's Whiskey

Whether for personal enjoyment, investment purposes, or a combination of both, Michter's whiskey represents a valuable addition to any whiskey collection. Collecting limited release Michter's whiskeys can be an exciting and rewarding pursuit for enthusiasts looking to expand their whiskey collections. Here's a guide to help you navigate the world of collecting limited release Michter's whiskeys:

Research and Stay Informed
Keep abreast of Michter's limited release announcements and updates through their website, social media channels, and newsletters. Follow industry publications, whiskey forums, and blogs to stay informed about upcoming releases, release dates, and availability.

Establish Relationships
Build relationships with liquor store owners, whiskey retailers, and online marketplaces that carry Michter's limited releases. Developing rapport with these sources can increase your chances of securing sought-after bottles and receiving notifications about upcoming releases.

Set a Budget
Establish a budget for collecting limited release Michter's whiskeys and stick to it. Some bottles may command premium prices, so it's essential to set realistic expectations and allocate funds accordingly.

Act Quickly
Limited release Michter's whiskeys tend to sell out rapidly, so be prepared to act quickly when opportunities arise. Monitor release announcements and set reminders for release dates to ensure you're ready to make a purchase when bottles become available.

Where to Find Michter's Whiskey

Limited-release Michter's bottles, with their reputation for quality and rarity, are often sought after by those looking to diversify their investment portfolios. Check out special bottles at Pascale's Wine and Liquor, 105 Towne Drive, Fayetteville, NY 13066. Call us at (315) 355-6222, or visit www.pascaleswineandliquors.com