2024 Michter’s 10 Year Rye Single Barrel

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.

Michter’s 10 Year Straight Rye, a single barrel product, was reintroduced in April 2014 after a brief hiatus. The mashbill is unfortunately private, but at least we know that it is at least 51% rye! Michter’s 10 Year single Barrel Rye is bottled at 92.8 Proof and has a retail price of $200 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Gold

Nose

Grape jello, spice, spearmint, tangerine, dried leather, honeycomb, and grape bug league chew bubble gum.

Palate

Lime jello, pralines, bitters, burnt caramel, toasted pecans, vanilla, and oak.

Finish

Lime jello, sassafras, simple syrup, rye spice, and a bit of funk.

In closing

In conclusion, the 2024 release of Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Rye Whiskey presents a sweet and fruity nose with notes of grape jello, spearmint, tangerine, dried leather, honeycomb, and grape bubble gum. The palate offers a delightful sugary sweetness featuring lime jello, pralines, bitters, burnt caramel, toasted pecans, vanilla, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with hints of citrus, spice, sassafras, simple syrup, rye spice, and a touch of funk.

This rye whiskey is complex and enjoyable, with a pleasant mouthfeel and extended finish. While the lower proof leaves something to be desired, one can’t help but imagine the potential at barrel proof—it would be extraordinary.

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.