(Photo: Michter's)
On Tuesday, the acclaimed Louisville, Kentucky-based Michter's Distillery announced the return of its US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon, first introduced in 2014 and last released in 2021.
The bottling, slated to hit shelves in September at a suggested retail price of $110, marks the return of an iconic expression that single-handedly spawned a new whiskey sub-category.
Bourbon by definition is required to age at least two years in newly charred American oak barrels. Michter's twist on the concept transfers the spirit to a second barrel made of 18-month air-dried wood that's undergone an hour of toasting over an open flame. The technique has since been adopted by imprints including Penelope, Elijah Craig and St. Augustine.
"Ten years ago, after a good deal of research and experimentation, we released the first toasted barrel whiskey: Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon," Michter's President Joseph J. Magliocco remarked in a news release. "We had no idea it would be such a groundbreaking product."
In the decade since its debut, Michter's inaugural toasted bourbon has garnered a Raided Score® of 83 — comparatively low to other celebrated bottlings in the distiller's catalog, though still a healthy step up from the competition. Critics have taken note of its savory, corn-forward palate, distinguished by a hit of smoke that Breaking Bourbon likened to a light scotch. We're intrigued to see how 2024's release compares to previous iterations.
The whiskey is bottled at 91.4 proof.
Andrea Miller, Michter's wonderfully titled master of maturation, commented:
"It's a testament to our team that so many other great distillers have followed us in releasing toasted barrel finish whiskeys. There are many different toast profiles in which the barrel is heated to create beautiful flavor notes. This year's Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon reminds me of a fall evening where we are roasting campfire treats with graham crackers, marshmallows, caramel and butterscotch."
Famous for its centuries-old roots and lauded decades-old expressions, Michter's was recognized in 2023 as the "World's Most Admired Whiskey" according to a poll by Drinks International, becoming the first American brand to earn the title. For more information on the upcoming US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon release, check out the Michter's website here.
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