This July, just in time for America's 248th birthday, Michter’s Distillery will launch its much-anticipated 2024 Legacy Series. This year's release will feature Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey and Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon, both proudly carrying the 2024 vintage date.
A Nod to Heritage
The Michter’s Legacy Series pays homage to the distillery's rich history. It all began in 1753 when Swiss Mennonite farmer John Shenk founded Shenk’s distillery in Pennsylvania. During the 1800s, the distillery was renamed Bomberger’s, before finally becoming Michter’s Distillery in the mid-20th century. This storied heritage is what the Legacy Series aims to celebrate.
Unique Yearly Variations
One of the distinguishing features of Michter’s releases is the annual variation in their whiskeys. "While there is some continuity from year to year, our production team makes creative adjustments to each edition of these whiskeys," explained Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco. This approach ensures that each new release offers a fresh experience for whiskey enthusiasts.
Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey
The 2024 release of Shenk’s introduces a new element to its recipe: caramel malt, which adds a creamy texture to the whiskey’s herbaceous qualities and spice notes. This year's Shenk’s also includes rye and malted rye. Some of the barrels used in aging Shenk’s are made from oak sourced from the Vosges region of France. These oak barrels are air dried and seasoned for 24 months before being toasted to Michter’s exacting specifications.
Shenk’s Homestead is bottled at 91.2 proof (45.6% ABV) and will retail for $110 in the U.S.
Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Similar to Shenk’s, the 2024 Bomberger’s release features some malted rye in its recipe. Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson highlighted the use of Chinquapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) in this year’s Bomberger’s. This particular oak, which was air dried and seasoned outdoors for 36 months before toasting and charring, accentuates dark chocolate and stewed fruit notes. These flavors are complemented by spice notes, creating a bold, rich, and balanced complexity with a long, warm finish.
Bomberger’s Declaration is bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV) and will have a suggested retail price of $120.
Expert Insights
Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee expressed his enthusiasm for the 2024 Shenk’s release, noting the inclusion of caramel malt and its contribution to the whiskey's overall profile. "The caramel malt offers a nice creaminess to complement the whiskey’s herbaceous qualities and notes of spice," McKee said.
Echoing this sentiment, Andrea Wilson praised the 2024 editions, describing them as a testament to the team's passion for crafting exciting whiskeys with a thoughtful touch of exploration. “This year’s release of Shenk’s and Bomberger’s is a reflection of the passion the team has for making exciting whiskeys with a thoughtful touch of exploration,” she remarked.
Conclusion
With the 2024 Shenk’s and Bomberger’s bourbons, Michter’s continues to honor its deep-rooted heritage while also embracing innovation. These releases offer a unique tasting experience, sure to delight both longtime fans and new enthusiasts alike. As these bottles hit the shelves, they promise to be a fitting celebration of America’s birthday and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Michter’s Distillery.
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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.
