Daniel Davis
The Art of Toasting Bourbon: Michter’s Goes the Extra Mile
From Grain to Glass
Crafting a premium bourbon takes time, skill, and patience. Michter’s, the esteemed distillery based in Kentucky, knows this all too well. The company has been producing small-batch bourbons for over 20 years, using traditional methods and techniques that have been passed down through generations.
One of the most crucial steps in Michter’s bourbon-making process is toasting the barrels. It’s a step that’s often overlooked or rushed by other distilleries, but Michter’s takes the time to do it right. Toasting the barrels adds layers of complexity and depth to the bourbon, imbuing it with flavors and aromas that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
A Time-Intensive Process
Toasting the barrels is no easy task. Michter’s takes great care to ensure that each barrel is toasted to perfection, but it’s a process that can’t be rushed. The barrels are placed over a fire, and the heat is gradually increased over time. This allows the moisture in the wood to evaporate slowly, preventing the wood from cracking or splitting.
Once the wood has been dried out, the toasting process begins. The barrels are heated to a specific temperature, and the heat is maintained for a set amount of time. This is where the art of toasting comes in. Michter’s master distillers use their expertise to determine exactly how long the barrels should be toasted for, depending on the desired flavor profile for each batch of bourbon.
The Results Speak for Themselves
The time and effort that Michter’s puts into toasting its bourbon barrels pays off in the final product. The bourbon is smooth, complex, and rich, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The toasting process adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the bourbon, making it stand out from other bourbons on the market.
Michter’s commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every sip. They take their time to get every step of the process just right, and the results speak for themselves. If you’re a fan of premium bourbon, Michter’s is definitely worth trying. The extra attention to detail that they put into toasting their barrels is just one of the many reasons why their bourbon is so exceptional.
