Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash (2025)

A little background

Michter’s US★1 Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash Whiskey (2025) is a limited-release expression built upon the foundation of Michter’s acclaimed US★1 Sour Mash Whiskey, which earned the prestigious “Whisky of the Year” title from The Whisky Exchange in 2019, marking the first American whiskey to receive this honor. Crafted in small batches in Kentucky, this whiskey undergoes additional aging in a second, custom-made barrel constructed from 18-month air-dried wood that is toasted but not charred, a process overseen by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson to enhance its distinctive character.

Bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV) with a suggested retail price of $110, the whiskey begins with a mash bill from an undisclosed Kentucky distillery, first aged in fire-charred new American white oak barrels before its secondary maturation in the toasted barrels. This unique double-barrel process aims to elevate the base Sour Mash profile, offering a refined and nuanced sipping experience for whiskey enthusiasts.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Amber

Nose

Citrus, vanilla, caramel, honey, brown sugar, stone fruit, baking spice (cinnamon and nutmeg), and oak.

Palate

Caramel, toffee. vanilla, molasses, baking spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove), and oak.

Finish

Baking spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove), molasses, vanilla, rye spice, walnuts, and dry oak.

In closing

Michter’s US★1 Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash Whiskey (2025) delivers a unique and approachable sipping experience, with its toasted barrel finish imparting distinctive vanilla, caramel, and baking spice notes that shine across the nose, palate, and finish. Its easy-drinking nature at 86 proof, coupled with a versatile complexity that balances sweet honey and molasses with cinnamon and nutmeg, makes it a crowd-pleaser, particularly for newcomers that are looking for an approachable whiskey. However, the 86 proof does contribute to a thinner mouthfeel that, combined with a slightly tannic oak presence, may not be for everyone. Regardless, there is no doubting the quality of this whiskey and its enjoyable flavor profile, making it a worthy addition to any collection for those who appreciate its refined, toasted charm.

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