Thank you to Michter’s for the sample and opportunity to review. All opinions are my own.

Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye 2025: Specs

Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky

Barrel: #25B0431

Producer: Michter’s Distillery

Mashbill: Undisclosed

Proof: 110.2º (55.1% ABV)

Age: Non-Age Stated

Location: Kentucky

Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye 2025 Price: $120

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Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye 2025: Tasting Notes

Eye: Amber to bronze, burnt orange. Thin rims and legs, teardrops slide slowly.

Nose: Dark rye spice like a German-style rye bread. Tons of sharp baking spice with maple sugar. Peach rings and root beer candies shaped like barrels. Pepsi syrup, effervescent and date or fig preserves.

Palate: A little woodier than I expected - not a stave, per se. Warm flavors like brown sugar, a touch of cooling mint, and a cinnamon stick in a Hot Toddy. Mouthfeel is silky, velvety and the black pepper opens up with a hint of licorice. Pepper is a touch spicy, hitting the tip of my tongue and settling on the front half. Walnuts, too.

Finish: Coating, classic Michter’s rye if still woodier than I remember recent batches being. Perhaps just this barrel? The proof is right on and the sweet rye is there, too. Medium-long finish, a drying syrup.

Overall: Sweet and spicy, woody, all the elements of a Michter’s rye are there, though I consider this too woody for their usual balance. Barrel influence is on the verge of overwhelming with astringency. I do want more from the mouthfeel - it’s satisfactory but not outstanding. A solid MSRP or 2x pour.

Final Rating: 7.3