Michter’s, outside of the usual mix of namesake Kentucky whiskeys it has in its stable, also maintains occasional releases of Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey. These brands, as we mentioned in a review of previous bottlings of these whiskeys, honor the legacy of the distillery’s past and it’s founders.
Now, for 2020, new releases have released for each. We’ve provided full details below as given to us by Michter’s upon request.
Bomberger’s Declaration (2020)
Bomberger’s Declaration 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 Whiskey.
The 2020 release of Bomberger’s is a flavorful Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a distinctively smooth character that belies its 108 proof strength. For the aging of this release, our Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson chose barrels made from special wood that has been naturally air dried for over 3 years.
While some Chinquapin (Quercus muehlenbergii) oak barrels were utilized in the maturation of the 2019 release of Bomberger’s, this year our production team opted to increase the proportion of the bourbon that spent time in Chinquapin oak. The special cooperage elevates the unique attributes of this wonderful Kentucky straight bourbon.
- Appearance: Rich, mahogany brown
- Nose: Toast and buttery caramel with some plum
- Palate: Full throttle yet remarkably smooth with some burnt sugar and a bit of both milk and dark chocolate
- Finish: Robust with complex depth
- Price: around $90 per 750 ml bottle
Shenk’s Homestead (2020)
Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey honors the legacy of historic American whiskey figure John Shenk, who in 1753 founded a distillery that was to become known as Michter’s in the 20th Century. It is made in Kentucky according to the traditional Sour Mash process whereby a portion of the previously distilled whiskey mash (referred to as “setback”) is added to the next batch. This full-bodied, small batch whiskey is 91.2 proof.
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Shenk’s is a Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey made with a substantial amount of rye. Following up on the success of 2019’s Shenk’s releaser, where some Chinquapin (Quercus muehlenbergii) barrels were utilized during maturation, the 2020 release utilizes a greater percentage of whiskey aged in Chinquapin Oak in each batch.
The wood has been naturally air dried and seasoned for at least 3 years. The longer seasoning combined with our specified toast and char allows the oak aromas and characters specific to Chinquapin oak to fully express themselves.
- Appearance: Dark Amber
- Nose: Notes of burnt orange peel set against rich creme brulee
- Palate: Luxurious mouth feel with warm baking spices and hints of cardamon up front. Followed by honeyed oak with a touch of cherry.
- Finish: Substantial and long lasting with some spice
- Price: around $80 per 750 ml bottle
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