Michter’s Distillery will release its US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye this September, bottled at barrel strength. The launch follows the Louisville, Kentucky-based producer being named The World’s #1 Most Admired Whiskey for a fourth consecutive year.
The rye is finished in a second barrel that is toasted, but not charred. Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson led production of the 2026 release.
The wood used for the second barrel was air-dried and seasoned outdoors for 24 months before being toasted to exact specifications.
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The technique traces back to a category the distillery created more than a decade ago.
“As our production team pursues our goal of striving to make the best American whiskey, we employ time-honored, traditional Kentucky methods, and we supplement them with our research and innovations,” said Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco. “This is what led our team to create a new category when in 2014 we launched the first Toasted Barrel Bourbon finished in a second barrel that had been toasted, but not charred.”
McKee outlined the care behind the finishing process.
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READ THE STORY“A great deal of thought and detail goes into the creation of our Toasted Barrel Finish releases,” he said. “The fully matured whiskey that we put into the second barrel for finishing and the particular toast level of that second barrel have to be just right to achieve the perfect balance.”
He added: “This year’s release is another great example of how our team marries art and science to create an amazing whiskey.”
According to the official notes from the brand, Wilson described the whiskey’s flavor profile in detail.
“It brings a level of rich comfort with its dark and savory notes, but transitions to the inviting characters of a baked cinnamon roll with melted caramel icing,” she said. “It lingers with warm, rich gingerbread notes and a beautiful toastiness.”
The average barrel proof for the release is 109.1 proof (54.55% ABV).
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye carries a suggested retail price of US$120 for a 750ml bottle.
The distillery’s portfolio includes bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey. The World’s #1 Most Admired Whiskey title is voted for by an international academy convened by UK-based Drinks International.
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