Bourbon

Whiskey Review: Michter’s Legacy Series (Shenk’s Homestead 2022, Bomberger’s Declaration 2022)

We review the 2022 versions of Shenk's Homestead and Bomberger's Declaration, part of a series of yearly Michter's releases which celebrate the brand's distilling legacy.

OVERALL RATING

9
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Shenk's Homestead 2022 review

Tasting Notes

About:

91.2 proof, no age statement, sells at around $250. 108 proof, no age statement given, sells for about $250.
Appearance:
Amber, light body. Deep copper coloring, medium-to-light viscosity.
Nose:
Sweet, but complicated like burnt sugar, or molasses, with a light funk like wet cardboard (not in a bad way). Strong aroma of cherry cola and stone fruit, followed up with bakery smells of almond extract and expensive sugar.
Palate:
Complicated, sweet, and funky. Sourdough toast with cultured butter and honey with a bit of a grainy finish. I found it pays to spend some time with this one – it didn’t fully open up to my palate until I’d had a few sips. Final Thoughts: The easy-drinking 91 proof makes it really easy to have a second round and get to know the whiskey better. Score: 4.5/5 Bomberger’s Declaration 2022 (image via Michter’s) Tasting Notes: Bomberger’s Declaration 2022 Vital Stats: 108 proof, no age statement given, sells for about $250. Appearance: Deep copper coloring, medium-to-light viscosity. Nose: Strong aroma of cherry cola and stone fruit, followed up with bakery smells of almond extract and expensive sugar. Palate: Big chewy toffee starts the show, becoming lightly spicy before that spice pivots to the tender bitterness of chocolate and mild dried-fruit skin tannins. Drinks smooth for a moderately high proof and offers plenty to think about on the finish. Final Thoughts: Really nice collection of classic flavors, each has a strong personality, but they aren’t talking over each other. Each aspect of the flavor has its moment to shine. Score: 4.5/5
Finish:
Comments:
The present stewards of the Michter’s label are fond of the phrase “cost be damned”. The results are fantastic bottles of whiskey that may not fit every budget. That said, these releases are as excellent as their reputation and make for a worthy indulgence or gift. Like the core lineup, these limited releases are well worth the trouble of seeking out.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Jacob Wirt

Jacob Wirt, whose past lives as a cook and cultural studies researcher, continues to shape his deep appreciation for fermented grain beverages. His understanding extends beyond the mere enjoyment of the drink; he recognizes the knowledge, labor, and rich history behind every glass. With a passion for homebrewing beer, Wirt finds a similar fascination in whiskey, exploring how techniques, ingredients, and nuanced variables create the distinctive character of each expression.

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