Michter’s Distillery is bringing back its much-loved Legacy Series for 2025, and it’s shaping up to be a real treat for whiskey enthusiasts. This year’s lineup includes two limited-edition releases—Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey—both hitting shelves in July. A third release, Bomberger’s PFG (Precision Fine Grain), dropped earlier this year, rounding out the trio. These whiskeys stand out for their bold flavors and creative aging techniques, offering something unique for those who appreciate a well-crafted dram.
The Legacy Series is a nod to Michter’s rich history, which dates back to 1753 when Swiss Mennonite farmer John Shenk founded a distillery in Pennsylvania. That operation eventually became Bomberger’s Distillery and was later renamed Michter’s in the 1950s, after the sons of then-owner Louis Forman. Though the original Pennsylvania distillery closed decades ago, current Michter’s President Joseph Magliocco revived the brand in 1997, moving production to Kentucky. Today, Michter’s operates a main facility in Shively, Kentucky, and a smaller distillery with a popular bar on Louisville’s Whiskey Row. The Legacy Series celebrates this storied past while pushing the boundaries of whiskey-making with experimental grain choices, mash bills, and barrel aging.
Image credit: Michter’s
Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon, bottled at a robust 108 proof (54% ABV), is a standout for its complex and intense flavor profile. What makes this bourbon special is its use of Chinquapin oak barrels, alongside other barrels seasoned outdoors for anywhere from 18 months to five years. This extended seasoning alters the oak’s chemistry, adding depth and character to the whiskey. According to Michter’s master of maturation, Andrea Wilson, the Chinquapin barrels are key to the bourbon’s “hallmark flavor.” The result is a bold, multi-layered experience with notes of floral sweetness, jammy fruit, and even a touch of saltiness, balanced by a smooth yet powerful finish. At a suggested retail price of $120, it’s a bottle that promises to deliver for those who enjoy a strong, intricate bourbon.
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Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey, bottled at 91.2 proof (45.6% ABV), takes a different approach. It doesn’t fit neatly into the bourbon or rye categories, earning its “sour mash whiskey” label due to its unique mash bill and maturation process. The 2025 release features a rye-heavy blend, with some of the whiskey finished in toasted, uncharred French oak barrels sourced from the Vosges forest. This finishing process brings out rich baking spice notes, along with hints of dried fruit, toffee, nougat, and burnt sugar. Michter’s master distiller, Dan McKee, praises the whiskey’s bold and lingering spice, crediting the French oak for amplifying the rye’s character. Priced at $110, Shenk’s offers a nuanced yet approachable sipping experience for those who like a whiskey with a bit of edge.
Both whiskeys are non-age-stated, meaning Michter’s doesn’t specify exactly how long they’ve been aged. However, as Bomberger’s is labeled a straight bourbon, it must be at least four years old, though many believe it includes older distillate for added complexity. Shenk’s, with its experimental grain varietals—like the caramel malt used in the 2024 release—leans into Michter’s willingness to take risks. This spirit of innovation is what sets the Legacy Series apart from Michter’s core lineup, giving the distillery room to play with flavors and techniques that aren’t bound by strict bourbon or rye rules.
The 2025 Legacy Series builds on Michter’s reputation for quality, which was recently highlighted when their 20 Year Old Bourbon was named the best bourbon of 2025 by Robb Report. While the ultra-aged expressions get plenty of attention, the Legacy Series offers something more accessible yet still special. Bomberger’s and Shenk’s are crafted in limited quantities, which makes them highly sought after by collectors and whiskey fans alike. In the past, these bottles have often sold for $20 to $40 above their suggested retail prices due to high demand. However, with recent trends showing softening retail markups across American whiskey, the 2025 releases might be easier to snag at or near their MSRP.
For those new to Michter’s, the Legacy Series is a great way to dive into the brand’s history and craftsmanship. Bomberger’s Declaration, first launched in 2014, honors the old Bomberger’s Distillery, while Shenk’s, introduced in 2018, pays tribute to the farmer who started it all. The third release, Bomberger’s PFG, is a newer addition that brings even more variety to the series with its focus on precision fine grain. Together, these whiskeys showcase Michter’s knack for balancing tradition with innovation, making each sip a journey through time and taste.
Starting in July, Bomberger’s Declaration and Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey will be available at select retailers across the U.S. Those looking to get their hands on these bottles should act fast, as their limited nature means they won’t stick around long. Whether you’re sipping Bomberger’s bold, oak-driven bourbon or savoring the spicy, nuanced layers of Shenk’s sour mash, these whiskeys are sure to impress. For whiskey lovers, Michter’s 2025 Legacy Series is a chance to experience something truly special—crafted with care, rooted in history, and packed with flavor.
