Editor’s Note: These whiskeys were provided to us as review samples by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy links towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Whether you’ve drank it or not, you’ve likely heard of Michter’s. The label has racked up accolades for quality and demand for bottles has driven a lively secondary market. Combine that with the fact that the brand traces its historical roots to older Pennsylvania and you have quite the pedigree!
Today, spirits wearing the Michter’s label are cared for in Louisville, KY after the historical brand was snatched from the grave by Joseph J. Magliocco and Richard “Dick” Newman. They undertook not just resuscitating the branding, but also developing whiskeys to their exacting standards. Their process involves a scrupulous attention to detail as the whiskey ages.
For the last several years, Michter’s has released annual bottlings of their Legacy Series offerings. These are named to honor two early distilleries to which today’s Michter’s traces its lineage. Shenk’s Homestead, according to Michter’s, “honors the legacy of historic American whiskey figure John Shenk, who in 1753 founded a distillery that was to become Michter’s in the 20th century.”
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For the 2022 offering of this expression, it is a “sour mash” whiskey made with a good amount of rye. A portion of it was aged in “special toasted French oak barrels that were made from 24 month air dried wood sourced from the Vosges region of France.”
Bomberger’s Declaration, meanwhile, “honors the legacy of the former distillery known as Bomberger’s in the 1800s and later as Michter’s in the 20th century.” The 2022 release, a 108 proof Kentucky straight bourbon, saw a portion of this bottling aged in Chinquapin oak that was naturally dried and seasoned for three years before being toasted and charred to distillery specifications.
Tasting Notes: Shenk’s Homestead 2022
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Vital Stats: 91.2 proof, no age statement, sells at around $250.
Appearance: Amber, light body.
Nose: Sweet, but complicated like burnt sugar, or molasses, with a light funk like wet cardboard (not in a bad way).
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
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
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