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Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey Review

Neither bourbon nor rye, what makes Michter's Barrel Strength Sour Mash so uniquely appealing — even to single malt lovers? We explore this intriguing American whiskey.

OVERALL RATING

9
$120
  • Jeff Bogursky, innovator turned wine seller, runs vintagekosher.com for rare bottles.
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Tasting Notes

About:

The standard US*1 bottles of Michter’s Rye and Bourbon have long had barrel-strength versions. This release completes this high-powered set for the franchise making Kentucky Sour Mash. So named because it is not 51% enough of anything for another name. And, like sourdough bread starter, Michter’s Sour Mash continues a bit of the previous mash into the next one.
Appearance:
Rich, brooding melted caramel.
Nose:
Piney, suggesting future sweetness, lemongrass.
Palate:
A flash of tin and the faint suggestion of malted grain unfold into something mellow but never sweet — not sweetness at all, really, but a layered, complicated backstory beneath the whiskey’s slightly sour and solid mood. Heat yes, but not overwhelming for a bottle over 55%.
Finish:
After the initial burst, quick fade into a very long mellower version, a lemony reminder.
Comments:
The Barrel Strrength Sour Mash is clearly not a bourbon nor a rye. It doesn’t show up sweet, and it doesn’t sting. Yet, it has a completely comfortable mouth feel and somewhat unique taste. A hint of malt flavor and strength which should be appealing to a single malt lover even if it’s clearly American.

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.

Jeff Bogursky

Jeff Bogursky is a restless innovator and entrepreneur. He started one of New York’s first digital agencies and developed software applications for decades, before simpliying his life by becoming a wine and spirits seller. His website vintagekosher.com specializes in hard to find and good to drink bottles.

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