Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2017 Release)

@ Delilah's 6/22/21 Less toasty than I expected but still a nice finish on a rye. Would definitely order again.

On a whiskey exploration trip to Louisville, Kentucky, my brother and I stopped in Michter’s Distillery to do a flight of their rye and bourbon. Of the samples poured, we thought their toasted rye was the best of them all and I managed to find two bottles of it to add to my collection. The nose starts with rich caramel covered figgy pudding then a s’mores sandwich with dark chocolate, toasted marshmallow and graham cracker before the rye appears with some fresh baked pumpernickel bread followed by a fresh glass of black tea with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a medium mouthfeel starting with rich caramel covered figgy pudding and cinnamon apple pie then a s’mores sandwich with dark chocolate, toasted marshmallow and graham cracker before the rye appears with some fresh baked pumpernickel bread followed by black licorice, a tannic bitterness and medium spice that overpowers the flavors with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length with burnt cinnamon raisin toast, toasted marshmallow, dark chocolate, graham cracker crust, caramel apple and over steeped black tea. Unfortunately, this isn’t as great as I remember and must have something to do with the experience drinking this at the distillery while smelling the mash cooking and the company involved that made this seem much better. Overall, this is a tasty and different type of rye with the toasted finish adding rich caramel, s’mores sandwich and dark fruits to the mix, but the balance is off with the mid-palate veering towards medium spicy and bitter flavors that fade into the finish allowing those s’mores and dark fruits through with lighter tannic notes in the background. These cost around $80 retail and I think that’s a fair price for a different take on rye, but it’s nowhere near the secondary prices of $200+.

The few Michters that I have had I quite enjoyed. They are not always on the forefront when looking for another bottle purchase of a simple pour at a bar/restaurant. However, this pour finds it’s way to me courtesy of @pkingmartin. And so tonight, I pour me a dram. The nose is soft and sweet which is slightly strange as the expectation would be spicy with dill or fennel. This Michters opens with toasted marshmallows, rich vanilla cream, white pepper, ground cinnamon and baker’s chocolate. Digging deep and hints of charcoal can be detected. An enjoyable, enticing nose. An initial punch of strength grabs the palate’s attention. Toasted whole wheat, cinnamon sugar, walnuts, leather, oak. Charcoal with traces of dill finish and tobacco the dram. Drying oak tannins drive a long finish. Aromas and flavors are few. However, what is supplies is quite rich and deep. A touch of water thinned the body and muted the character of the dram. Add sparingly. A rye that’s not a rye. A good sipper that should be taken slow. Thanks @pkingmartin for sharing. An enjoyable pour. [Tasted: 7/16/21][86/100]

Hmm this one kind of stumped me. I tried it along with 6 other michters bottles and this was my least favorite. It came across bitter, like burnt nuts, tobacco and maybe dill in there? Bizarre and didn't sit well with me.