Michter's Barrel Strength Sour Mash Delivers Sweet Surprises
Any whiskey fan would love this: something that's a little off Michter's bulletproof whiskey flavor profiles; a serendipitous and delicious innovation.
Bottle Details
- DISTILLER: Michter's Distillery
- TYPE: Sour Mash whiskey
- MASH BILL: Not disclosed
- AGE: Approximately 6 years 0ld
- YEAR: 2026
- PROOF: 111.5 proof (55.75% ABV)
- AVAILABILITY: Nationally
- MSRP: $120
- BUY ONLINE: Michter's Distillery
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Dark caramel, warmed honey, fresh peach, blooming roses, toasted oak. Not only is this entertaining to nose over a long period, its aroma set is isn't even reminiscent of its 86 proof sibling. It's that much of a stand out.
PALATE: Bright, busy, fruity, juicy and spicy ... what's not to like?
FINISH: Deliciously round and fruity, which surprised me given the spirit's youth, proof and its spice-forward profile. (Don't forget, though, that Michter's heat cycles its rickhouses, so there's always that gently impactful maturity and character that's kinda-sorta viewed like dog years.)
Reviewer's Verdict
RATING: Bar. This is delicious and unique in every respect, but at this price, I'd give it a single pour sip first.
WORTH THE PRICE: Not for me, but that's a measure of my budget rather than a measure of the whiskey's ample virtues.
WHO IT'S FOR: Any whiskey fan would love this, especially Michter's fans who might enjoy something a little off the brand's bulletproof whiskey flavor profiles. That group will enjoy that serendipitous innovation despite the premium price.
REVIEWER'S VERDICT: Michter's tasting notes for this whiskey include "honey character," but, surprisingly, it's mentioned last. I don't ever recall having a swig o' Michter's that was so honeyed as this–especially one bottled at barrel strength. The more I sip it, the more honey resonates across my palate; it's a primary flavor in this liquid, and of course, there ain't a bit of honey in it.
A terrific balance of a little fire and a lot of spice is what comes to mind when I consider Michter's barrel strength bourbons and ryes. That this lacks that classic one-two punch makes me love it all the more (though I still loves me some one-two punch on the aforementioned cask strength bourbons and ryes.)
I've ever-enjoyed the 86 proof Sour Mash for its easy-drinking nature, and that it's not a bourbon or a rye keeps me musing about its actual mash bill and cooperage choices. When I received the press sample and saw that this was barrel strength, I was excited, but honestly didn't know what to expect. I certainly didn't expect this much fruit, honey and softness from a 6-year 112 proof whiskey: a pleasant surprise for sure.
Yeah, paying $120 for it would make an echo chamber of my wallet, but anyone who buys this will not regret it. It is delicious in every way you'd expect a Michter's whiskey to taste.
Disclaimer
This bottle found its way to us compliments of the brand. What ends up on the page is ours alone — and they knew that going in. Around here, honesty isn't a policy. It's the whole damn point.
About Our Rating System
Bourbon & Banter uses a three-tier rating system created over a decade ago: Bottle, Bar, or Bust.
- 🍾 Bottle — Buy it. This one deserves a place in your cabinet. (Approximate equivalent: 85 and above on a 100-point scale)
- 🥃 Bar — Worth trying, but not necessarily worth owning. Find it at a bar before committing to a bottle. (Approximate equivalent: 70–84)
- 💀 Bust — Skip it. Life is too short and your shelf space too valuable. (Approximate equivalent: below 70)
Numeric scores imply a precision that doesn't exist — and most publications never score below 80, making half the scale meaningless. We'd rather answer the question that actually matters: buy it, try it at a bar before you buy, or skip it. The approximate equivalents above are for reference only.