Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample 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 link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
It’s rare you get to bookend an experience. My first ever review for The Whiskey Wash was a Michter’s Limited Edition Single Barrel Rye. I am, admittedly, a fan of Michter’s. The profile of their whiskey really speaks to my palate.
It is, thus, very bittersweet that my last review for The Whiskey Wash is a Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Rye.
In September, Michter’s Distillery released its US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023 edition. “We released the first toasted barrel whiskey of any American distillery in 2014 because we loved the unique taste profile. At the time, we had no idea that it would create a new whiskey category for people to enjoy,” said Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco at the time of its release.
Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson oversees the special aging protocol that Michter’s Toasted Barrel Rye undergoes. Wilson said, “Our Master Distiller Dan McKee and I first select fully matured barrels of our US*1 Rye. Then we transfer each of those rye barrels for finishing into a second barrel, made of special wood naturally air-dried and seasoned outdoors for 24 months and toasted to our specifications, but not charred. The Toasted Barrel Finish Rye is designed to showcase the beautiful extractives from a toasted only finish barrel that impart remarkable character and contribute to an exceptional experience.”
Toasted Barrel whiskey has been a remarkable fan favorite of Michter’s over the years. This version, Rye in specific, saw a release in 2014, 2017, and again in 2020. The toasted barrel often imparts a higher degree of wood to the whiskey and Michter’s is counting on the robust nature of their US*1 Rye to balance the flavors.
One quick comment – I’ve found the lack of age statements irksome with these special releases. In press releases they state, “each of its limited production offerings aged to its peak maturity.” We know the oak staves spent 24 months air drying before being toasted (not charred), but it feels odd we don’t know anything about the age of the actual whiskey. This is a common trait with Michter’s however. Outside of their 10 year and 20 year offerings, they don’t use age statements. At least not to my knowledge.
In the end, I doubt that will be a major set-back in my review of this whiskey. Would an age statement change our review of this whiskey? I can’t say. However, I always appreciate knowing as much as I can. With that, we turn to the glass.
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Tasting Notes: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023
Vital Stats: 108.9 proof (54.45% ABV) on average, sample bottle was 109.4 proof (54.7% abv); SRP $120 for a 750 ml.
Appearance: Dark copper, tending towards amber in the glass.
Nose: Like a dessert, sweet aromas of candied pecans and cherries explode from the glass. After letting it breath I get that distinctive rye note. The alcohol is present but doesn’t overpower the glass. I found hints of mint, char, and smoke hiding with rich oak. The sweet notes are still present but now a bit more caramel forward. It’s a complex nose that doesn’t overpower.
Taste: A burst of rye spice comes forward with touches of mint – we get the earthy tones famous to rye without stunning the senses. The mid palate has more of the sweet notes from the beginning. I found caramel, bananas foster, dark cherries, and a hint of licorice to round it out. The finish is long as the high proof clings to the palate. The spice comes back to blend with the sugars of the mid palate.
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