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Whiskey Review: Michter’s Barrel Strength Toasted Barrel Rye

We review Michter's Barrel Strength Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey, a whiskey that sees full maturation in charred white oak, followed by additional finishing in a new, uncharred toasted barrel.

OVERALL RATING

9
$75.00
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Tasting Notes

About:

Proof varies, averaging 108.6 (this bottle is 110.). Full maturation in charred white oak, followed by additional finishing in new, uncharred toasted barrel. $75/750ml
Appearance:
This new Michter’s pours expressively amber, clear and displaying the definitive heft of barrel-strength viscosity. Legs layer up upon each other and cascade slowly, at times apparently unmoving, while coating the entire glass interior. The liquid wobbles as its swirled, and shows very little color separation around the edges.
Nose:
The aroma of this rye is very pastry-forward, soaked in booze (of course), and dynamic. The smells of cinnamon and marzipan race to the forefront, showing big and lingering with each forward sniff. Whiskey soaked cherries appear here as well as hints of red-and-white candy canes and nutmeggy egg nog. Perhaps its the time of year, or this just smells like a holiday dessert table stuffed in to a tiny glass.
Palate:
The aromas all translate beautifully and in balance to the first sip, although the rye itself plays a bit sweeter on the palate than expected. What I hoped would be a boozy intensity to supplement the baked goods in the nose reads more like an amped up brown sugar background. On one hand, the toasted oak served to really smooth out the heat, but limits drinkability as more of an after-dinner sipper akin to port or sherry. What is amazing here, though, is the soft, sweet nuttiness from the double oaking. If I didn’t know better, I’d thought someone had stuck one of those old-school, crumbly toasted almond ice cream bars in the barrels with this deceptively strong, smooth rye.
Finish:
Comments:
This offering from Michter’s is a near-perfect dessert rye, of which there are so few. However, if you’re a lover of ryes on the grassier, pepperier side with more raw, drying wood than flavor-supplementing wood, you’ll need to look elsewhere. In terms of experimentation, however, this double-barreled desserty treat is a raging success in terms of balance and unique results.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Jim Bonomo

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