Disclosure: the sample for this review was provided at no cost. Our tasting notes and score are our own.
A little background
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2026 Release) is a limited release, barrel strength Kentucky straight rye whiskey from Michter’s Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. It begins as fully matured US*1 Kentucky Straight Rye, which is then finished for an additional period in a second custom barrel made from wood naturally air-dried and seasoned outdoors for 24 months and toasted, but not charred. The rye enters the barrel at 103 proof, and each barrel is bottled at its own strength, so the proof varies. The average for the 2026 release is 109.1 proof (54.55% ABV), and the bottle reviewed here came in at 108.8 proof. The mash bill is undisclosed, and the suggested retail price is $120 for a 750ml bottle in the U.S.
Michter’s created the toasted barrel finish category in 2014 with the first Toasted Barrel Bourbon finished in a second barrel that had been toasted but not charred. The 2026 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye was produced under Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson, with the toast level of the second barrel and the whiskey chosen for finishing both selected to achieve the right balance. The release arrives as Michter’s became the first whiskey named The World’s #1 Most Admired Whiskey by Drinks International for four consecutive years. It is distilled and bottled in Kentucky.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Dark Gold
Nose
Maple syrup, clove, apricot, caramel, brown sugar, Manhattan cherry, applewood smoked bacon, and toasted oak.
Palate
Apricot, cherry, smoked bacon, baking spice (cinnamon and clove), maple, walnuts, and oak.
Finish
Maple, apricot, smoked bacon, burnt caramel, baking spice, vanilla, orange cream and oak.
In closing
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2026 Release) has a super complex nose that keeps opening up with time, and the more you swirl, the more comes out. Maple syrup, clove, apricot, caramel and brown sugar lead, joined by Manhattan cherry, applewood smoked bacon and toasted oak. The mouthfeel isn’t overly oily, but the flavors are intense, with apricot, cherry, smoked bacon, cinnamon and clove, maple, walnuts and oak. The finish is long and slightly drying, carrying maple, apricot, smoked bacon, burnt caramel, baking spice, vanilla and orange cream into the oak.
This rye is sweet throughout, and the toasted barrel gives it rich, cognac-like qualities with ripe fruit and a polished sweetness that set it apart from a typical rye. The flavors stay intense from the first sip all the way to the slightly drying finish. At $120 for a limited release barrel strength rye at around 109 proof, the complexity and depth make it a worthwhile bottle that I think most are going to really enjoy. This is one to sit with and savor slowly to truly appreciate its delightful complexity. Overall, the 2026 release of Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye is a complex, flavorful whiskey that I truly enjoyed.
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.
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Straight Rye (2026 Release)
108.8 Proof
Please enjoy responsibly. Never drink and drive.
