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Bourbon Review: Michter’s 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon (2022)

We review the 2022 Michter’s 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, aged for two decades in fire-charred, new American white oak barrels.

OVERALL RATING

10
$1.00
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Michter’s 20-Year-Old 2022 review

Tasting Notes

About:

Aged for 20 years in fire-charred, new American white oak barrels, 57.1% ABV, mash bill: undisclosed, SRP $1,200/ 750ml bottle.
Appearance:
This is a dark mahogany brown in color.
Nose:
The nose is high toned and opens with a hint of fresh rubber and a touch of volatile acidity. Fruit and spice notes jump out of the glass, with heady aromas of brandy-soaked dried sour cherries, dried orange peels, baked clay, and firewood. This is no slouch in the aromatics department, but its fruit and spice profile keeps it from smelling saccharine or one-note. There’s a subtle note of fresh baker’s yeast and antique wood furniture.
Palate:
On the tongue, this offers a stronger kick and firm tannins. Pungent spice, cedar, and oxidative notes build into a crescendo. There are long and lingering aromas of cola spice, walnut skins, vanilla ice cream, and a hint of orange creamsicle. This reminds me of mixing together all the sodas in a soda machine, without the sugary sweetness, of course. The distillery writes that this whiskey shows “intense notes of black cherry, rich molasses, honeysuckle, roasted pecans, toasted charred oak.” Though I might squabble over specific notes, I agree that it is boldly flavored. There’s so much going on and the finish lasts and lasts with powerful fruit and spicy aromas. This might just be the best root beer float ever.
Finish:
Comments:
With such limited production and availability, the Michter’s 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon is listed online for multiple times well above its already luxury-level MSRP of $1,200. Last year’s release was a mere $750, so why the price hike? Sure, inflation, supply-chain issues, the fairness of producers getting a cut of rabid cult pricing… But is it worth $1,200 or $7,950 or $10,190?rnrnIt’s hard not to shake my head at bottles of booze that sell for more than a decent used car. Regardless, this was a phenomenal bottle and one that I will cherish with good friends. Looking for more affordable lux release from Michter’s? Their 10-Year-Old Bourbon will hit the shelves this year.

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.

Suzanne Bayard

Suzanne Bayard struck out to the West Coast with her now husband almost a decade ago to explore the intersection of wine and policy in its world-class wine regions. She manages a Portland, OR bottle shop by day as the wine buyer and newsletter editor. She is also the Director of the Deep Roots Coalition, an organization of 30 Willamette Valley wineries that educate on and promote dry farming and sustainable practices. She joined the Whiskey Wash to explore two other passions: writing and whiskey.

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