2024 Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon

A little background

The Michter’s brand boasts a storied history dating back to 1753 in Pennsylvania. Known variously as Bomberger’s and Pennco, Michter’s gained prominence as a top-selling whiskey in the 1970s and 1980s before declaring bankruptcy in 1989. Revived in the 1990s, Michter’s opened its own distilling facilities in the historic 1890 Fort Nelson building in downtown Louisville in 2019, following an extensive renovation.

The 2024 release of Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon includes malted rye in its recipe, marking a new variation from previous years. According to Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson, this edition reflects the team’s passion for creating innovative whiskeys. The bourbon uses Chinquapin oak, which is air dried and seasoned for 36 months, enhancing its dark chocolate, stewed fruit, and spice notes. At 108 proof (54% ABV), Bomberger’s offers a bold, rich complexity and a long, warm finish, available in the U.S. for $120.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Gold

Nose

Dark cherries, apricots, figs, vanilla, pipe tobacco, almonds, and real maple syrup.

Palate

Chocolate fudge, baking spice, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, dried cherries, and oak.

Finish

Pipe tobaco, fudge, dried cherries, vanilla, maple syrup, and oak.

In closing

In conclusion, the 2024 Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon delivers a rich and captivating experience. The nose greets you with dark cherries, apricots, figs, vanilla, pipe tobacco, almonds, and real maple syrup, setting the stage for a deep and inviting profile. On the palate, it unfolds with layers of chocolate fudge, baking spice, brown sugar, cinnamon, dried cherries, and oak, offering a bold and oily mouthfeel. The finish is long and complex, lingering with notes of pipe tobacco, fudge, dried cherries, vanilla, maple syrup, and oak. This bourbon masterfully combines dark fruit, nuts, and maple syrup for a robust and memorable sip.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Michter’s. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.