Michter's whiskies

History

The original Michter’s distillery, in Pennsylvania, was one of the oldest in the United States and had several names over its history, but it closed in the 1980s. In the 1990s a businessman and his partner registered the abandoned brand and began selling Kentucky whiskey under the Michter’s name, made at other distilleries while they prepared their own. In the mid-2010s they opened a distillery in Shively, in the Louisville area, and then another in the city centre, in a historic building. Today Michter’s is one of Kentucky’s most highly regarded brands.

House style

Michter’s style is rich and rounded, with caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, nuts and spice. The house heats the whiskey before putting it into the barrel and filters it carefully before bottling, to preserve its texture. US*1 Bourbon is sweet and honeyed; US*1 Rye spicier and more herbal, with pepper and cinnamon. Both are bottled at a moderate strength, which makes them very easy to drink neat.

Where to start

Michter’s US*1 Bourbon is the way in: rich, sweet and very balanced. US*1 Rye offers a spicy version, very good in classic cocktails. Both are good options if you’re after American whiskeys with more body and care than usual. Drink them neat or with a large ice cube, and try the rye in a Manhattan to see how it works in a cocktail. If you like them, compare them with Woodford Reserve.

• Michter's US*1 BourbonBourbon · 45.7% ABV
• Michter's US*1 RyeRye · 42.4% ABV