Michter’s 2022 US*1 Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey Review

Steve Coomes -

BOTTLES DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Not disclosed, bottled by Michter's
  • MASH BILL: At least 51% rye. As a KY-style rye, corn also is plentiful in this mashbill.
  • AGE: Not disclosed, but between 5 and 7 years.
  • YEAR: 2022
  • PROOF: 111.6 (55.8% ABV)
  • MSRP: $100

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Absolutely anyone who loves rye whiskey, and fans of high-rye bourbon.

WORTH THE PRICE: Definitely.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle, if you can find one.

OVERALL: This is a great whiskey. Always has been and, hopefully, always will be when Michter’s own maturate from its Louisville plant is bottled in the future. This release, just like the 2021 and the 2018 releases I’ve kept myself from finishing, says “Bottled by Michter’s Distillery,” on the label. So, the whiskey’s source remains a mystery.

This is a whiskey you want to pour and nose awhile; aroma is its gift that keeps on giving. Banana and overripe pineapple give way to burnt orange, caramel and well-seasoned oak. Chocolate graham cracker and lemon peel arrive a bit later, though their influence is equally pronounced and welcome.

On the palate, it’s boldly rye-forward, though richly textured, honeyed, really. Its high-corn content presents a soft mouthfeel, but surely some of that is attributable to Michter’s low barrel-entry proof and its toasting of all its barrels before charring. Soon enough, though, the rye returns on the finish to deliver spice notes like white and black pepper. Drink this neat (and with a high-quality cookie nearby). I suspect ice could overwhelm its proof and youth. Up for a decadent cocktail? Do it. You won’t regret it.

MICHTER'S ANNOUNCES 2022 RELEASE OF US*1 BARREL STRENGTH RYE

Louisville, KY (March 20, 2022) – Master distiller Dan McKee and master of maturation Andrea Wilson have approved the release of Michter's US*1 Barrel Strength Rye. Shipment to distributors and importers began in March.

Michter's US*1 Barrel Strength Rye is a single barrel product, and the average proof of the barrels in this March 2022 release is 111.6 proof. "Our barrel strength whiskey is always stunning, and this release continues to deliver a bold experience with layers of sweetness and spice along with gentle oak maturity," observed Wilson.

McKee commented, "At Michter's, we've put out some terrific Barrel Strength Rye over the years.
Personally, I love this 2022 release for its richness, complexity and depth. It's a perfect representation of our Michter's house style."

"Dan and Andrea are our ultimate gatekeepers," stated Michter's President Joseph J. Magliocco. "They've continued the tradition set by our late Master Distiller Willie Pratt and our Master Distiller Emerita Pam Heilmann of not releasing something unless they feel the whiskey is just right."

The suggested retail price in the United States is $100 for a 750ml bottle of Michter's US*1 Barrel Strength Rye.

Disclaimer: Michter's Distillery provided Bourbon & Banter with a sample of their product for this review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.