2019 Michter's Celebration Sour Mash Barrel Proof American Whiskey (700ml)

On a short list the most desirable, super premium American whiskeys, Pappy Van Winkle is usually near the top – if you can find it. But there’s another name in town: “Michter’s”, with roots going back to the 18th century. For scarcity, reputation and market value, Michter’s is now outdoing Van Winkle on every score. The ultra-aged releases are periodic and therefore actually far rarer than Pappy’s which are annual. Many consider older Michter's superior to the equivalent Van Winkles, especially if you prefer your whiskey to not be overly oaky. To top it off, a Michter’s 25 Year Old Rye has reached $8000 / bottle. Or there’s a 25 Year old for US $10,000. Michter's 'Celebration' Sour Mash has the potential to rise above them all.

During the 1970s and 1980s, the Original Sour Mash was the distillery’s single most popular product. While the “Sour Mash” moniker originated from the whiskey production process of the same name – whereby some previously fermented mash is used as the starter for the new mash to be fermented, much like making sourdough bread – Michter’s Sour Mash earned distinction for its taste, combined with its unique grain selection. In fact, it can't really be categorised as a rye or a bourbon.

Now Michter's most presigious whiskey continues that story. Returning to the market after a three year void, the 2019 release also marks the first Celebration Sour Mash to be created by Master Distiller, Dan McKee. Six barrels have been blended - two straight bourbon barrels and four straight rye. Michter’s Master of Maturation, Andrea Wilson explains, “It’s not just a question of finding this great barrel and putting it with that great barrel. It’s a matter of selecting fantastic barrels that go together so well that the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts. The whiskeys in the 2019 release range in age from over a decade to over 30 years old.”

Weighing in at 115.6 proof, just 277 bottles of the 2019 edition are on offer. Earlier releases are now reaching up to 13K - a fact that further cements Michter's into rarified investment territory. At the time of writing, we have one only available.

Earlier release tasted... Powerful and mouth-coating. Initially, a French bakery, with caramel, vanilla, and torched brown sugar dominating. Then, more complex notes, such as cinnamon roll, coconut, chocolate, slight hints of oak, allspice, hints of smoked paprika, chipotle, roasted almond, and Polish sweet bread. A long finish offers fruit and nutmeg. Tasty sipper at the perfect proof.
94 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Fred Minnick (Spring 2017)