Daniel Davis
A Timeless Charmer: Michter’s Distillery
The whisky universe is vast and constantly changing, but every once in a while, weaving through the myriad of seemingly infinite choices, a blend stands out, a distillery gets everything right, and a new golden elixir is born. That’s exactly the case with Michter’s, a distillery with a fascinating story of determination, persistence, and greatness that never compromises quality. This is a tale of liquid sunshine that has captured the heart of whiskey enthusiasts, a story worth telling, and most importantly, tasted.
The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of Michter’s
All great narratives have their highs and lows, and Michter’s is no exception. Originating as a Pennsylvania distillery back in 1753, it held the record as the oldest distillery in the U.S. before closing in 1990 due to bankruptcy. Then, in a twist of kismet, a duo of whiskey lovers, Joseph J. Magliocco and Richard “Dick” Newman, resurrected Michter’s in the late 1990s into the Kentucky-based powerhouse it is today, embodying a new spirit of resilience and exquisite artistry in whiskey making.
As the phoenix rose from the ashes, so too did Michter’s, going from strength to strength and proving an undeniable dedication to their craft despite their wavering past. Nonetheless, it is precisely this upturn that makes their journey so captivating.
Where Quality and Excellence Meet
Ask any whiskey enthusiasts about Michter’s, and two things you’ll continuously hear are ‘quality’ and ‘excellence.’ Michter’s places an emphasis on attention to detail that is simply unmatched. Their Master Distiller, Dan McKee, and Master of Maturation, Andrea Wilson, lead an uncompromising regime of quality control, from employing the groundbreaking ‘cost be damned’ approach to the fermentation, distillation, and maturation processes, to maintaining meticulous standards for sourcing their grains, to using heat-cycled warehouses to age their barrels.
The Michter’s Way of Aging
Not many distilleries use heat-cycled warehouses, but Michter’s swears by it, even though this process might mean less whiskey due to an increased Angel’s Share. This implies that aging at Michter’s isn’t about time; it’s about the desired result. Their age statements is about maturity, not age as years. Every Michter’s product is bottled only when the tasters in the lab deem it ready, further emboldening their commitment to unrivaled quality over maximizing profits.
The Real Deal – The New Michter’s Blend
Riding on the back of firmly established persistence and consistency, Michter’s recently released a new proposition that will certainly tease the palate of whiskey aficionados. Their latest release is a testament to Michter’s ‘never settle for anything but the best’ mantra, showcasing their commitment not only to the quality of their production process, but also to the satisfaction of their consumers. Like all other Michter’s whiskies, the new blend is the result of a painstaking process of selection, distillation, and maturation that will certainly leave a memorable impression on your taste buds.
Taste and Profile
The new Michter’s tantalizes with an initial nose of dried apricots and honeycomb, underpinned by a medley of caramelized sugar and toasted oak. The first melting sip yields complex flavors of cereals and dried fruits, enlivened by a prickling spiciness. The finish is lingering and warm, carrying notes of sweet vanilla, oak, and a slight hint of a mellow smokiness that is a Michter’s trademark. It’s a soulful, complex, and impeccably balanced whiskey that is, quite simply, a joy to drink.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Michter’s is not just another whiskey brand; it’s a standard-setter, it’s a tale of tenacity, it’s a craft of love. The distillery’s unwavering commitment towards the quintessential whiskey experience – from the painstaking efforts in sourcing the best grains, the unique aging process, to the discerning taste-testing – is a testament to their dedication to this age-old craft. The new Michter’s blend represents not just a product, but a continuation of a tale of resilience and the ongoing pursuit of whiskey-making excellence. One does not simply ‘have a Michter’s,’ one experiences it. If whiskey were a language, then Michter’s is its poetry.
