Michter's is often what I recommend to people when they ask me what they should buy to 'get started in whiskey'. I don't normally suggest Sour Mash, but after this review I might start to given the notes I found. I was pretty surprised revisiting this old shelfer.
Company on Label: Michter's
Whiskey Type: Bourbon
Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed (originally a 45% Corn, 45% Rye, 10% Barley mash bill, but has been changed)
Proof: 86°
Age: NAS
Further identification: Barrel No 19K2140
Nose: Thick syrupy marshmallow. Viscous like a vanilla syrup in a latte or other coffee drink. A light roast coffee bean. Really strong initial presentation. Dry oak I think would present young & grainy if it weren't for all that sweetness. I don't know what it is about sour mash offerings but they always drink above their age to me. There is something slightly synthetic to this... almost like a pleather jacket. The nose really runs into a dead end with a waxed paper wall. A hint of chai can be dug up late. Something like a natural fiber rope or twine is also in here. Empty glass is chocolate and almonds.
Palate: Marshmallow transfers wonderfully along with hot cocoa mix, vanilla coffee bean, and a dark wood like mahogany. Dry sugar cookie fades into tea spice & chocolate. The mouth coating is really thin, but spreads and coats rapidly. It does have some good linger, but is going to be quite repetitive on subsequent pours with a lack of depth being apparent at 86 proof. I do really enjoy this, but unfortunately I know there are some better pours available (like Shenk's). There is something almost like caramel, but quite watered down. I'd say the overall vibe to the pour is the hot chocolate, marshmallow & coffee bean profile that is persistent throughout.
Rating: 3/5
I would wholeheartedly suggest this pour to someone looking to expand their novice whiskey horizons as it is a very unique flavor profile. I think it would make a nice dessert pour, if you haven't had any higher proof pours before it. It's very creamy, kind of like an espresso martini in a way.