Michter's label implies that it is a brand that has been around for some time, Pre-Revolutionary War even. The brand "traces" it's roots back to 1753 when a Swiss Mennonite farmer, John Shenk, first started distilling in Schaefferstown, PA. In 1800's the distillery was renamed Bomberger's and operated under that name until it was closed due to the Prohibition in 1919. After reopening, the distillery went through a few owners and in 1950's the name Michter's was officially born. Lou Forman, who was the owner at the time, created the brand name using the names of his two son’s: MICHael and peTER. Ultimately, the original distillery site shut down in 1990, it's equipment looted and some buildings completely demolished. After 7 years, the trademark on the brand lapsed and Chatham Imports quickly scooped it up. This is Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish expression from 2018. It's their US*1 Straight Bourbon sourced from other Kentucky distilleries and aged supposedly additional 26 days in toasted (not charred) barrels. On the nose there's familiar vanilla, brown sugar bourbon notes along with a bit of sour apple and oak. On the palate honey, cinnamon spice, oak, brown sugar. Finish fairly lengthy with brief black pepper spice and lingering honey sweetness. Very well done expression where flavors blend together perfectly without anyone of them overpowering the others.