Michter's Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash (2022 ed)

Upon its being named "Whisky Of The Year" for 2019 by The Whisky Exchange, Michter's' Sour Mash Whiskey became the first whiskey made in the United States to ever achieve this honor. It is this award-winning whiskey that is at the heart of our Toasted Barrel Sour Mash Whiskey. It is made by taking Michter's' Sour Mash Whiskey and then aging it for an additional period of time in a second custom made barrel. This second barrel is assembled from 18-month air-dried wood and then toasted but not charred. Several different levels of toast for the second barrel were evaluated before the production team led by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson decided on the one that would best display the elegant nuances of this remarkable whiskey.
 
NOSE
Lively butterscotch, rose petals, and nutmeg form an interesting aroma. Light apricot and apple scents are layered on top, culminating in a complex array of scents. It works because each scent is equally presented with just the right intensity. Approachable yet at times mildly challenging, the aroma is far more than what you may expect it to be.
PALATE
Light apricot and dried fruit with a hibiscus undercurrent is delivered delicately.  Mild toasted oak notes are woven throughout, but provide little consequence. The palate lacks intensity leading to a far more delicate whiskey than expected. It’s this softness combined with mild flavors that make the palate so approachable. It’s a satisfying sip overall, but it lacks a strong presence that while fine for some, others may demand more.
FINISH
A soft but noticeable increase of heat is found as the sip closes. Rye spice in conjunction with a more developed leather note adds some vigor to the whiskey. While it's minor, it keeps in line with how this whiskey presents itself. Inoffensive at its core, it tows the line of approachability as its baseline.