American

Michter's 10 Year Rye

OVERALL
RATING

10

Whiskey Review: Michter’s 10 Year Rye

We review the 2022 release of Michter's 10 Year Rye. Its a Kentucky rye with a mash bill of rye, corn, and barley.

Tasting Notes:

About:
Appearance:
The liquid is clear, dark amber.
Nose:
The nose opens with a rich vanilla custard note and cinnamon. Enlivening mint and orange zest scents emerge at the end.
Palate:
Vanilla, cinnamon, and orange are prominent on the palate too. Brown sugar and fennel sweetness balance out the spice and light nuttiness. The viscosity of the whiskey gives it a creamy mouthfeel that lingers, but is not overly oily. The finish is long, peppery, and minty. . Age has also likely contributed to how easy-drinking this rye is. The flavors are strong, but the drinking experience is engaging and comforting, rather than bracing and fiery. This whiskey isn’t cheap, but for fans of Michter’s, or rye in general, I think they may find it’s worth the splurge. Sending User Review 4.5 (2 votes) Buy Now Share: XFacebookLinkedInEmail Drinks Aizome Island – Tropical Style Minor Cobbler Strawberry Rhubarb Julep Crimson & Clover Club Wynken, Blynken, & Nog Related Articles Whiskey Review: Highline Triple Rye Whiskey Editor’s Note: This whiskey was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whiskey Review: Highline Triple Rye Whiskey American / Reviews Whiskey Review: Savage & Cooke American Whiskey Editor’s Note: This whiskey was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whiskey Review: Savage & Cooke American Whiskey American / Reviews Whisky Review: Bruichladdich Octomore 14.3 Editor’s Note: This whisky was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whisky Review: Bruichladdich Octomore 14.3 Reviews / Scotch Whisky Review: Glenglassaugh 12 Years Old Editor’s Note: This whisky was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whisky Review: Glenglassaugh 12 Years Old Reviews / Scotch Whiskey Review: Highline American Whiskey Editor’s Note: This whiskey was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whiskey Review: Highline American Whiskey American / Reviews Whiskey Review: Savage & Cooke Rye Whiskey Editor’s Note: This whiskey was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whiskey Review: Savage & Cooke Rye Whiskey American / Reviews Whisky Review: Bruichladdich Octomore 14.2 Editor’s Note: This whisky was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whisky Review: Bruichladdich Octomore 14.2 Reviews / Scotch Whisky Review: Glenglassaugh Sandend Editor’s Note: This whisky was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whisky Review: Glenglassaugh Sandend Reviews / Scotch Whiskey Review: Highline Straight Kentucky Whiskey Editor’s Note: This whiskey was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whiskey Review: Highline Straight Kentucky Whiskey American / Reviews Whiskey Review: Savage & Cooke Bourbon Editor’s Note: This whiskey was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whiskey Review: Savage & Cooke Bourbon Bourbon / Reviews Larissa Banitt Larissa Banitt is a writer and nurse born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She’s a foodie, whisk(e)y nerd, and animal lover. You’ll often find her hiking with her dog, trail-riding with her horse, or crocheting with her cats. More by Larissa Banitt Follow us on Twitter Find us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Connect with on on LinkedIn About Advertise Subscribe Editorial Standards Privacy Policy Terms of Use
Finish:
Comments:
This is a delicious rye whiskey. The spice and mint flavors let you know it’s a rye, but it does not have the grass, leather, and pumpernickel notes that sometimes turn people off from the category. My theory is that this is from a combination of a more diverse mashbill from the Kentucky style rye and aging. The prolonged aging has allowed the whiskey to extract more vanillin from the charred, new American white oak barrels, leading to a robust and luscious vanilla note on the nose and palate. Age has also likely contributed to how easy-drinking this rye is. rnrnThe flavors are strong, but the drinking experience is engaging and comforting, rather than bracing and fiery. This whiskey isn’t cheap, but for fans of Michter’s, or rye in general, I think they may find it’s worth the splurge.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Michter’s. 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 towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.

Michter’s only 2022 bottling of their 10 Year Rye was released in July. The president of the whiskey company, Joseph J. Magliocco, said of this release: “It’s a really special one. At Michter’s it’s about never compromising on quality rather than maximizing sales.” This release is made all-the-more special due to the fact that Michter’s is holding back its 10 Year Bourbon until 2023. 

In addition to it’s age statement, Michter’s 10 Year Rye distinguishes itself as a single barrel product matured in fire-charred, new American white oak barrels. It is a Kentucky style rye (which is appropriate since it was distilled and bottled in Kentucky). Kentucky ryes require only a 51% rye mash bill, leaving distillers a lot of room for playing with flavor development from adding other grains. Michter combines corn and barley in the mash bill to, according to the press release for this whiskey’s bottling, “give balance and added complexity to the spice of its rye grain.” 

In 2021, Michter’s was named the Most Admired American Whiskey in a survey that spanned 25 countries. In January 2022, the company was named the #1 Top Trending American Whiskey brand by Drinks International. After tasting Michter’s 10 Year Rye, I think these accolades are well-deserved. It is one of the best whiskeys I can remember drinking in a long time. 

Michter's 10 Year Rye review
Michter’s 10 Year Rye (image via Larissa Banitt/The Whiskey Wash)

Tasting Notes: Michter’s 10 Year Rye

Vital sSats: Aged 10 years, 46.4 ABV, MSRP ~ $185. 

Appearance: The liquid is clear, dark amber. 

Nose: The nose opens with a rich vanilla custard note and cinnamon. Enlivening mint and orange zest scents emerge at the end. 

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.

Palate: Vanilla, cinnamon, and orange are prominent on the palate too. Brown sugar and fennel sweetness balance out the spice and light nuttiness. The viscosity of the whiskey gives it a creamy mouthfeel that lingers, but is not overly oily. The finish is long, peppery, and minty. 

Larissa Banitt

Larissa Banitt, a writer and nurse hailing from the Pacific Northwest, blends her passions for food, whiskey, and animals into a life rich in adventure. When she's not caring for patients, you'll likely find her exploring the outdoors with her dog, trail-riding with her horse, or enjoying a cozy crochet session with her feline companions.

All Posts

5 Collectable Single Cask Scotch Whiskies

Whether you are an adventurous drinker with deep pockets or an avid scotch whisky collector, here are five single cask expressions that will make fine additions to your whisky cabinet.

Search
  • Latest News
  • Latest Reviews