After a two-year hiatus, Michter’s Distillery is releasing its highly sought-after 20-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon. This limited-edition whiskey is set to make waves in the bourbon world, offering a rare and luxurious tasting experience that reflects decades of careful aging. Here’s everything you need to know about this iconic release.
A Rare and Special Bourbon
The Michter’s 20-Year Bourbon is bottled at a robust 114.2 proof (57.1% ABV) and comes with a suggested retail price of $1,200 per 750ml bottle. The bourbon stands out not only for its age but also for the careful balance it maintains between rich flavors and wood influence.
Aging bourbon in new charred oak barrels presents challenges, especially beyond the 15-year mark. Extended aging can sometimes result in an overly woody profile, but Michter’s has consistently mastered the art of aging whiskey to perfection. According to Joseph J. Magliocco, Michter’s President, “Reaching ages beyond 15 years without the whiskey getting too woody is an achievement that our team strives for. This is an exceptional release, and we only wish we had more to offer.”
Tasting Notes and Experience
Michter’s Master of Maturation, Andrea Wilson, describes the 20-Year Bourbon as “a remarkable drinking experience.” It features a luxurious and expansive flavor profile, with layers of complexity. The palate is described as viscous, dark, and richly complex, offering a symphony of flavors that culminate in a memorable finish.
While individual releases may vary slightly, the 20-Year Bourbon consistently delivers classic bourbon flavors, such as caramel and vanilla, complemented by deeper notes of dried fruit, oak, leather, and spice. Wilson emphasized that the bourbon not only tastes exceptional but also evokes a sense of timeless history, making it a "once-in-a-lifetime" whiskey.
Recognition and Accolades
This release comes at a time of heightened recognition for Michter’s. In 2024, the distillery was named the World’s Most Admired Whiskey for the second consecutive year by Drinks International. The honor was determined by a panel of independent global drinks experts, including bartenders, journalists, and buyers from more than 20 countries. Michter’s topped a list that featured legendary distilleries from Scotland, Japan, Ireland, and beyond.
Master Distiller Dan McKee expressed his gratitude for the accolade, saying, “We are so humbled and so grateful to be named The World’s Most Admired Whiskey. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with this 2024 release of Michter’s 20-Year Bourbon.”
The Art of Aging and Craftsmanship
Michter’s employs meticulous barrel monitoring throughout its rickhouses, especially when it comes to its older whiskeys. Each barrel is carefully observed to determine when it has reached peak maturity. This attention to detail ensures that every bottle of the 20-Year Bourbon offers an exceptional drinking experience.
The distillery’s history of craftsmanship and commitment to quality shines through in its portfolio, which includes bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey. While production is limited, the focus is always on delivering the best whiskey possible, and the 20-Year Bourbon is no exception.
Beyond the Bottle: Michter’s Facilities and Heritage
Michter’s operations extend beyond its main distillery in Louisville’s Shively district. The company also runs a 205-acre estate in Springfield, Kentucky, where it grows estate grain, and the historic Fort Nelson Distillery in downtown Louisville. The Fort Nelson facility, located on West Main Street near attractions like the Louisville Slugger Museum, offers whiskey enthusiasts an immersive experience, complete with educational tours and tastings.
The Fort Nelson Distillery also boasts a legendary pot still system originally from Michter’s Pennsylvania distillery. Visitors can enjoy classic cocktails at The Bar at Fort Nelson, curated by renowned spirits and cocktail historian David Wondrich.
Limited Availability and Market Impact
As with all previous releases, the 2024 Michter’s 20-Year Bourbon will be extremely limited in quantity. Although the suggested retail price is $1,200, bottles are likely to fetch significantly higher prices on the secondary market, where past editions have sold for several times their MSRP.
For collectors and bourbon aficionados, this release represents an opportunity to own and savor a piece of whiskey history. Its rarity, coupled with Michter’s reputation for excellence, makes it one of the most anticipated bourbon releases of the year.
Final Thoughts
The return of Michter’s 20-Year Bourbon marks a milestone for the brand and a celebration of its dedication to producing world-class whiskey. With its rich flavor profile, storied history, and limited availability, the 2024 release is sure to be cherished by those fortunate enough to secure a bottle. Whether you’re drawn to its luxurious taste or its status as an icon in the bourbon world, Michter’s 20-Year Bourbon is a testament to the art of American whiskey-making at its finest.
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About Michter's
Michter's is a historic American whiskey brand with roots dating back to the 18th century. The brand's history can be traced to a Pennsylvania distillery established in 1753. Michter's has undergone various changes in ownership and locations over the centuries, facing periods of closure and revival. Today, Michter's is known for producing premium bourbon, rye, and American whiskey.
Michter's has earned a reputation for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The brand is dedicated to traditional small-batch production methods, emphasizing attention to detail and selecting the finest grains. Michter's sources high-quality barrels for aging its whiskies, contributing to the rich and complex flavors that define its expressions.
The core range of Michter's includes bourbons and ryes that have gained acclaim among whiskey enthusiasts. Michter's US1 Bourbon is known for its balance of sweetness and spice, while the Michter's US1 Rye offers a bold and flavorful experience. Additionally, Michter's releases limited-edition and single barrel expressions that cater to collectors and connoisseurs seeking unique and exceptional offerings.
One notable aspect of Michter's is its dedication to aging its whiskies in a controlled environment. The brand uses heat-cycled warehouses, a technique that exposes barrels to temperature variations to enhance the aging process. This method contributes to the development of nuanced and sophisticated flavors in the final product.
Michter's commitment to quality extends beyond its whiskey production to its branding and packaging. The iconic Michter's label and wax-sealed bottles are distinctive, reflecting the brand's heritage and the premium nature of its offerings.
The resurgence of Michter's in the modern era has been marked by its emphasis on reviving historical recipes and crafting spirits with a nod to tradition. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Michter's continues to be a respected and sought-after name in the American whiskey landscape, appreciated for its dedication to excellence and the timeless art of whiskey-making.
