Daniel Davis
Delving Into the World of Michter’s
If you’re a fan of quintessential American whiskeys, you’ve probably heard of Michter’s. This spirit, defined by its smooth complexity and deeply rooted heritage, is the substance of legends. The brewing process, which focuses heavily on the selection of everything from grains to barrels, is the result of unrelenting persistence and a fierce dedication to the craft. In this article, we will break down the elements that make Michter’s a thrilling study of persistence.
History: A Distillation of Time and Persistence
It’s hard to talk about Michter’s without delving into its rich history. The brand originated as Shenk’s in 1753, situated in Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County. Renamed Bomberger’s in the mid-nineteenth century, the distillery became a beacon of innovative distillation techniques and quality spirits. Fifteen years later, it was christened Michter’s, a mash-up of the names of the owners’ sons — Michael and Peter. Although the distillery shut its doors in 1989 due to bankruptcy, the resilience and dedication to the craft resurfaced when whiskey veteran Joseph J. Magliocco and his mentor Richard Newman revived the brand in the late 1990s.
Mastering the Art of Patience
Anyone familiar with the soulful world of whiskey knows that time is a significant factor that affects the flavor of whiskey. In the case of Michter’s, it’s time and patience that elevate the distillery’s products to an entirely different stratosphere. Michter’s is well-known for its extraordinary aging process. For example, the Michter’s 10-year single barrel bourbon is a glad testament to the mastery of patience. According to the tasting notes, it practically sings with “intense notes of rich cocoa and mellow vanilla”. The longer a Michter’s offering spends in a carefully chosen barrel, the more intricate its flavor profile becomes.
Michter’s: A Testament to Quality
At the heart of Michter’s success story is an unwavering commitment to quality. The distillery is fanatical about selecting the finest ingredients and adheres to exacting production standards. From grain selection to the barrel treatment, the distillation process is taken incredibly seriously, and it shows in the finished product.
Grain Selection
Each grain used in Michter’s whiskey is selected with unparalleled meticulousness. Whether it’s the hearty corn used in their bourbon or the spicy rye grains used in their rye whiskey, each grain type enhances the distinctive flavor profile.
Barrels – The Essence of Character
The aging process brings whiskey to life, and the vessel that cradles the spirit plays a significant role in the character development. Michter’s uses both toasted and charred barrels, which adds a new level of complexity to the flavor. These carefully selected barrels lend an intense caramel and vanilla flavor, creating a harmonious balance with the rich flavors of the grains.
Proofing: A Game of Precision
The final proof of the whiskey, or alcohol by volume (ABV), is another facet where Michter’s shows its persistent streak. Each Michter’s whiskey is proofed according to its own unique profile, aligning beautifully with the main aim of highlighting the essence of the ingredients and the aging process.
Reflection
In its journey through tumult and transformation, Michter’s proves to be an embodiment of the spirit of resiliency. It’s a remarkable tale etching the perseverance of craftsmen committed to the production of exceptional whiskey. From its grain selection to proofing, every step speaks volumes about the stalwart dedication to quality. If there’s any reason you should reach for a bottle of any of Michter’s offerings, it’s to taste the product of true persistence.
Conclusion
Distilling excellent whiskey is a challenging endeavor that requires meticulous attention to detail, an abundant understanding of the ingredients and process, and an unyielding spirit. Michter’s exhibits all these traits in spades. It’s a study in persistence that should inspire whiskey makers, and whiskey lovers, the world over.
