Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon
45.7% ABV
$45 to $50
Website
What the Bottler Says:
Introduced to great acclaim in the Fall of 2014, Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon is a groundbreaking whiskey expression. It is made by taking Michter’s US 1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon and then aging it for an additional period in a second custom made barrel. This second barrel is assembled from 18-month air dried wood and then toasted but not charred. The truly unique and delicious taste of Michter’s US 1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon represents a remarkable achievement given that it is Kentucky Straight Bourbon with nothing extra added or done except placement in a second toasted barrel.
Production: Small Batch. Limited quantities
State of Distillation: Kentucky
Bottling Strength: 91.4 proof (45.7% Alcohol by Volume)
Cooperage: First Barrel: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
Second Barrel: Toasted but not charred barrel made from 18-month air dried wood
Tasting Notes: Campfire and cinnamon, with pecan and candied fruit. Lingering finish of baked pears, vanilla, and marshmallow
What Gary Says:
Nose: Soft mustiness, leather, cigar paper, fall leaves with a subtle sweetness – hints of vanilla, tapioca and caramel.
Palate: Nice, creamy mouthfeel, woody but also young; fairly subdued spice that is slow to present itself.
Finish: On the short side, and a little forgettable.
Comments: This whiskey has no age statement, and not being a “straight bourbon” we can only guess how long it spent in either the first or second cask. Michter’s states that this is using their US1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey (which also has no age statement, which would imply a minimum of four years old in the original barrel) before introducing it to a second barrel that is toasted rather than charred. For all of that work, it left me wanting. To my palate, it came across as young, with the nose having more of the toasted oak influence and not as much sweetness. It is interesting, but is priced where it needs to be more than interesting for me to recommend it.
Rating: Average
What Richard Says:
Nose: Burnt sugar, curdled corn pudding, and cinnamon with an odd “meaty” base note.
Palate: It’s more floral in the mouth but the flavors are very muted. I would dare to almost call this bland.
Finish: Hot and dry. Not pleasant at all.
Comments: Wow was I not impressed with this at all. I probably wouldn’t reach for this a second time on flavor alone (unfortunately I bought a bottle) but the nearly $50 price tag makes this down right painful. It’s a no age stated bourbon that Michter’s refers to on their website as a “straight” bourbon. I’m guessing from the hot finish and the lack of much in the flavor department that this is more on the young side and pretty close to four years old at the far end.
Rating: Probably Pass