American

Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon 2026 Review

What makes Bomberger's Declaration stand apart from a standard Michter's pour? We taste this 108-proof Legacy Series bourbon to uncover its darker, complex side.

OVERALL RATING

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Tasting Notes

About:

Bomberger’s represents one of three members of Michter’s Legacy Series. This is desigend to honor the original Bomberger’s Distillery which ultimately, along with Shenk’s, became Michter’s distillery.

From Micther’s press release: Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon honors the legacy of the former distillery known as Bomberger’s in the 1800’s and later as Michter’s in the 20th Century. Please join us in toasting and celebrating American Whiskey History with this outstanding small batch 108 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

In recent years Bomberger’s and it’s companion whiskey Shenk’s have become highly sought after from collectors and consumers alike. The reasonable price point combined with complex flavors have resulted in a considerable following.
Appearance:
Tawny clear whiskey tasted neat in a Glencairn Glass.
Nose:
A good complexity of brown sugars, warm oak, soft dried oranges, a summer flowers. More of a traditional aged bourbon profile. A nice dark honey flavor is present.
Palate:
On the palate it sits nicely between sweet and tending to dry but the drink is smooth across the tongue. The profile has a touch of sulpher wood but a good pepper tingle on the mid palate. I found some sublte nuttiness with warm brown baking sugars. There is a nice background spice combined with the oak.
Finish:
Charcoal finish with toffee teas for a nice medium length finish.
Comments:
Long waring notes with good earth flavors that linger on the tongue. This is a good whiskey no question, something a little different from your standard Michter’s and I think pays homage to different distilling styles. Like it’s companion Shenk’s, I think this is a good addition for fans of Michter’s. It has a darker side to the sweet sugary bourbon notes. A slightly higher proof also really gives a lot of love to those who want to open this up with some water.

I think it has a great spot on any bar cart or shelf!

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.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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