Whiskey Review: Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (2017 Release)

Whereas the nose is inviting and silky smooth, the first taste clobbers you both with a dry woodiness and a complexity of layered alcohol and earth tones molded in to a hefty, luxurious dram with a thick-but-not-sweet mouthfeel. Deeper analysis pulls out a tannic note of singed hay, a slight ester profile with hints of tropical fruit, and a wood-laced finish in each sip that can best be described as beefy and burly. When all this combines with a perfectly subdued (yet not) alcohol burn, the final product comes across as quite the expert’s rye. Amplified volume on expected flavors yet striving for all this intensity in balance. It’s happy-go-lucky exploitation of rye’s fruitier side may be the only slight out-of-whack note. Final Thoughts and Score: For a single barrel expression of rye, the selection process is key and Heilmann’s efforts here reward the customer in spades. This 10 year rye is exactly what you’d think: expensive, yes, but worth the money to true fans of the style who are looking for quality for their dollar. If the price tag scares you, it’s best you stay home. For Michter’s fans used to spending a bit extra and looking for an upgrade, this will not disappoint.