It's time for a little Michter's Monday action, even if I'm starting late... This will likely me my only pour for today, so I thought I'd make it a good one! I'm still swamped with house projects surrounding a recent move which has me in a bit of a change of scenery. It's been an awesome journey so far and the best is yet to come with some whiskey study plans starting to come together. Stay tuned for that on my Instagram. Now let's get into a thorough review of a pour I've already had the pleasure of sharing in good company!
Company on Label: Michter's
Whiskey Type: Straight Rye Whiskey
Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed
Proof: 92.8°
Age: 10 years
Further identification: Barrel No 21E1567
Nose: Sweet nerdz candy forward on first nosing. Slightly chalky, but fading into mature, tight-grain red oak. Dried plum and apricot. Lemongrass and slight vanilla smoke. Very light and approachable nose, which isn't too surprising at 92.8 proof. Something like Charleston Chews now - fluffy vanilla and milk chocolate. Syrupy sweetness starting to take over now - a hallmark sign of a good Michter's product. A touch of lavender perfume makes me feel a bit sleepy. More of the chocolate and vanilla undertones continue to push this glass forward, quite consistently enjoyable throughout. There is not much of an evolution with this, but what it does - it does very well. There's a distinct cotton now that just swung through. With a little swirl there is oak sawdust, dry pepper, and black tea. I guess I spoke too soon on the evolution... A touch of copper-tinged molasses can be found near the bottom of the glass. The empty glass smells of pepper, tea leaves, and other earthy botanicals.
Palate: Instant lovely mix of red cherry, orange creamsicle and chocolate soak over my tongue. Delicious first presentation here. This is very similar to what I remember from my singular tasting I've done on the 2020 release of the 10 year rye. Yum - some floral notes give depth to the fruity sweetness. This tastes like early Spring in full bloom. The linger is long with light allspice, walnuts and chocolate. There is a richer wood feel to this than oak I can't quite place. More fruit sweetness, now it has transitioned towards more of a strawberry mix. So sweet and tasty, yet so fleeting, this is a great example of a pour that always leaves you longing for another sip. The finish has changed over to be a bit shorter now. On a larger chew waves of cherry are like drinking straight out of the cherry jar; unbelievably potent here and so delicious. There is certainly quite a bit of oak influence to this at 10 years, but it's not nearly as drying as it could be given the vitals. The last sip gives just a small wave of creamy orange juice and a metallic molasses.
Rating: 4/5
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