In 2024, our reviewers sampled whiskies from around the globe including 81 American whiskeys. Of those reviewed, one expression emerged as a particular favorite. Noted for its smoothness and expertly balanced profile, Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2024) has been named Best American Whiskey at the inaugural Whiskey Wash Awards, taking home a Double Gold Medal.
The Whiskey Wash Awards, a no-fee, independent competition, recognizes the best whiskies tasted by our reviewers across 2024. With no commercial biases and expert reviewers, our awards showcase expertly crafted and perfectly sippable whiskies. Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2024) was one such whiskey.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The Whiskey Wash Awards
The Whiskey Wash Awards stand out as a truly independent celebration of excellence in the spirits world. Unlike many industry competitions that rely on entry fees, our awards are bestowed solely based on the merit of the whisky itself. We meticulously analyzed every whisky review published on our platform throughout 2024, identifying the highest-scoring expressions and honoring them with Silver, Gold, and Double Gold medals.
A key distinction of the Whiskey Wash Awards lies in its unbiased approach. Neither the producers nor the whiskies themselves are aware that they are being considered for recognition. This eliminates any potential for commercial influence, ensuring that our awards reflect the genuine opinions of our passionate and discerning whisky experts.
Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2024)
Shenk’s whiskey is named for Swiss Mennonite farmer John Shenk, the founder of Shenk’s Distillery (now Michter’s). Shenk founded the distillery in Pennsylvania in 1753. It was later renamed Bomberger’s in the 1800s and, finally, Michter’s in the mid-20th century.
Shenk’s Homestead whiskey is released annually as part of Michter’s Legacy Series, which honors the contribution of John Shenk and Bomberger’s Distillery to Michter’s history.
This whiskey was crafted using the traditional sour mash process, which involves adding a portion of the previously distilled whiskey mash into the next batch. This mash contained a high portion of rye. The whiskey was then aged in air-dried and toasted French oak from the Vosges region and bottled at 91.2 proof.
Why Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2024) Has Been Named Best American Whiskey
Nino Kilgore-Marchetti, founder of The Whiskey Wash and seasoned reviewer, sampled this expression in August 2024.
Getting up-to-date opinions on our winners, I asked Nino how he feels now about Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2024). He said: “Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey dials itself in really, really, well – so well you might not even realize you’ve swallowed it – it is just that good, as you’re left distracted considering it in the most ideal ways—truly a stunning American whiskey.”
‘Truly Stunning’
The gentle balance of sweet, earthy, and fruity flavors in Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey is a tribute to the long-standing production methods at Michter’s, and the power of French oak casks.
French oak is still considered a relatively experimental maturation cask for American whiskeys. However, this whiskey certainly showcases the variety and depth of flavor that it can produce. Its smoothness is also a testament to the sour mash process, which can produce incredible consistency across batches.
A yearly release from Michter’s, and one worth waiting for.
Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2024): Best American Whiskey, Double Gold
Original Notes by Nino Kilgore-Marchetti
Michter’s Distillery is one of the more popular Kentucky distilleries today. This brand’s legacy started in 1753 in Pennsylvania and, through many twists and turns, ultimately ended up in Kentucky under the still-ongoing leadership of Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco.
While the Michter’s of 2024 has a decidedly forward-looking agenda that is Kentucky-centric, Magliocco and company look to honor the brand’s history through its Legacy Series, a yearly two-bottle, vintage-dated offering that also lets the distillery team play outside the usual Michter’s sandbox in that each release differs from those of previous years.
“While there is some continuity from year to year, our production team makes creative adjustments to each edition of these whiskeys,” said Magliocco when this year’s bottlings were unveiled.
The two offerings in this lineup, Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey and Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon, play to the history timeline as follows: In 1753, Swiss Mennonite farmer John Shenk founded Shenk’s distillery in Pennsylvania. This distillery was later renamed Bomberger’s Distillery in the 1800s before its name changed again to Michter’s Distillery in the mid-20th Century.
What’s in the bottle
The whiskey being reviewed here, Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2024), follows the standard sour mash process of using a portion of the previously distilled whiskey mash in the next batch. It is standardly made with “a substantial amount of rye.”
“In the 2024 Shenk’s release,” said Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee of it, “we used rye, malted rye, and for the first time caramel malt, which offers a nice creaminess to complement the whiskey’s herbaceous qualities and notes of spice.”
At the time of this whiskey’s release, it was noted that, as in the last several years, some of the barrels used in the production of Shenk’s include oak sourced from the Vosges region of France. The oak is air-dried and seasoned for 24 months before being toasted to Michter’s specifications.
Trending Stories
Shenk’s is 91.2 proof (45.6% ABV) and has a U.S. suggested retail price of $110.
Latest News