Emma Jones
A Spirited Journey Through Time: Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey
Oh, the tantalizing tales whiskey could tell if it had the gift of gab! Gather ’round, my fellow whiskey aficionados, as we uncover the saga of a particularly spirited rye. Let’s tip our hats to the Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye, a libation that weaves a rich tapestry of history, flavor, and a touch of mystery beckoning from the hallowed halls of American whiskey lore.
The Legend of Michter’s: More Twists Than a Corkscrew
Our story begins akin to a Charles Dickens novel—deep in the past, clouded with the mystique of the old world. The inception of Michter’s winds back to 1753 in Whiskey History Pennsylvania, where it cut its teeth among the nation’s foundational spirits. Oh, but the plot thickens! The brand embraced a shapeshifting masquerade—having donned the guises of Bomberger’s and Pennco to outfox the sands of time. Witnessing soaring heights as the top-selling whiskey in the 70s and 80s, our protagonist then tumbled into the clutches of bankruptcy in 1989. But like a phoenix from charred barrel staves, it rose anew in the 1990s, undeterred.
Leap ahead to 2019 when a passion project bore fruit—or should we say, bore whiskey? The resurrection of the Fort Nelson Distillery is no minor footnote. Eight painstaking years and a cool eight mil brought the historic 1890 fortress back from disrepair, right in the heart of downtown Louisville. If walls could talk, Fort Nelson’s would sing in baritone of craftsmanship and revival.
Unwrapping the Mystique: What’s in the Bottle?
Every bottle of Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye is a story, steeped in secrecy and swathed in the artistry of distillation. Though the complete mashbill remains as elusive as a whispered secret in a speakeasy, we do know it’s rye with a capital R. Distilled through a copper pot still known affectionately as “the heart of whiskey,” this elixir starts its barrel journey at a coy 103 proof, a notch below its peers on the proof pecking order.
And let’s not overlook its pedigree: a Single Barrel Whiskey, although you’d need to be an eagle-eyed enthusiast to notice its absence from the label. Peer closely and you’ll spot the individual barrel mark—a fingerprint of distinctiveness. Take the bottle in review, emerging from barrel no. 22B303, a vessel that surely has tales of its own.
Approaching the Senses: The Art of Aroma and Taste
Nose Knows Best
One does not simply sniff this rye; one embarks on an olfactory odyssey. Cinnamon and butterscotch pirouette from the glass, fiery and fragrant, trailing luscious cherries in their wake. A melange of marmalade, graham cracker, and leather choreograph an aromatic ballet with a backdrop of distant oak. It’s a performance that commands standing ovations with its assertive scents and punchy presence. Indeed, the nose knows best.
Palatable Palate Pleasures
Engage your tastebuds, as this rye is not for the faint of heart. A blend of burnt orange peel, staunch dry oak, and blackstrap molasses ushers in a startlingly dark and intense profile. A light astringency nips at your senses, tempered by rich vanilla and piquant toasted rye spice. Like a tenor hitting the high notes, this whiskey’s palate packs a wallop, distinguishing itself with exactness and verve.
The Grand Finale: A Finish with Flair
The closing act of this libation is a bold, lingering note dominated by leather and dry oak. Gingerbread and melted caramel make cameos, supported by the gentle yet tenacious essence of molasses. A peppery rye spice tails every sip, ensuring the finish is as potent as the spirit’s storied past—hotter and more audacious than its proof would hint.
Uniqueness Unbottled
When it comes to unique, this rye’s got it in spades. It’s no run-of-the-mill infusion, this one. You see, even with an undisclosed source of rye, Michter’s keeps us guessing like a thrilling whodunit. Sure, it’s a limited release, but it’s the whispered secrets that make it truly exquisite. Straddling in at about 115 proof, this rye whiskey fits snugly within the usual barrel proof spectrum, but oh—let’s dig a little deeper.
What sets this dram apart is its single barrel, barrel strength persona—a rarity as precious as an honest politician. Amid the burgeoning craft distillery scene and the handful of national brands offering such a whiskey, the Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye stands tall, letting its robust, character-laden soul do all the talking.
Value that Speaks Volumes
Admit it, there’s a certain charm to exclusivity, to clandestine releases that slip into the market with nary a sound. Perhaps it’s one of the best-kept secrets in modern whiskey, like a legendary treasure map kept under wraps by those in the know. And sure, at $100 a bottle, it’s not exactly change found under the sofa cushions. Yet, when compared to the stratospheric prices of highly publicized limited runs, this bottle expresses value as blatantly as a love poem written in block letters.
Factor in the finesse of its single barrel, barrel strength designation, and you’ll see it’s worth more than its weight in gold—or in this case, whiskey.
An Encore Worth Savoring
What we have here, dear reader, is a rye that refuses to play second fiddle. With each velvety drop, the Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye proclaims its individuality, resplendent with a flavor profile that stands out like a neon sign in the smoky haze of a jazz club. From its seasoned lineage to its distinct flavors, this is more than mere whiskey; it’s a spectacle for the senses, steeped in a rich history that continues to unfold with every sip.
So, pour yourself a measure, find a cozy nook, and raise a glass to the narrative of Michter’s—a brand reborn, a legend rekindled, and a whiskey that, to this day, keeps its cards refreshingly close to its chest.
Classification: Straight Rye
Company: Michter’s Distillery
Distillery: Sourced from an undisclosed distillery in Kentucky
Release Date: March 2022
Proof: 112
Age: NAS (Aged at least 4 years based on TTB regulations)
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Dark Reddish Copper
MSRP: $100 (2022)
I absolutely loved this review of Michter’s US*1 Rye whiskey, it really highlighted the historical significance and distinction of the distillery’s product. As a fan of Michter’s and rye whiskey, this article was a fantastic read!