Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Recently hailed as the “World’s Most Admired American Whiskey” by “Drink’s International” in the UK, all eyes are on Michter’s, a US-based spirits company.
With the increasing fanatics of the brand and Michter’s limited production and releases, online forums and groups talk about how difficult it is to purchase a bottle of Michter’s nowadays.
But is Michter’s bourbon hard to find? Have you experienced the same thing? So, we took the time to investigate, and here’s what we found out.
Is It Difficult To Find Michter’s Bourbon?
Not all of Michter’s bourbons are hard to find. But most of Michter’s expressions are elusive or getting rare nowadays.
If you’re looking for the Michter’s Legacy Series, the 10-, 20- and 25-Year releases, and the Barrel Finish variations, it’ll be really challenging for you to find a bottle from any of these expressions.
But if you prefer the straight rye and bourbon, their whiskey, and the sour mash, you have a big chance of purchasing them in liquor stores or online retailers.
Is Mitcher’s Bourbon Rare?
Michter’s bourbon isn’t that rare compared to other brands like Pappy and Eagle Rare.
However, there are Michter’s expressions that are getting rare these days, like the following:
- Celebration Sour Mash
- Michter’s 10- and 20-Year releases
- Michter’s 25-Year release (limited production)
- Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash
- Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon
If you’re looking for these bottles, unfortunately, it takes time and effort before you can find any of these expressions nowadays.
The increasing demand for Michter’s is a great contributing factor, along with the limited production, making the expressions rare or hard to find these days.
Why Some People Think It’s Hard To Find
The main reason why people think all of Michter’s expressions are hard to find is that most of the brand spirits are allocated, and some are limited releases.
But on the good side, there are Michter’s expressions you can possibly find in liquor stores or online retailers, including:
- US-1 Kentucky Straight Rye
- US-1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- US-1 Michter’s American Whiskey
The Michter’s US-1 Sour Mash was available in most liquor stores before. However, this expression is becoming invisible in liquor stores and bars due to high demand.
Is Mitcher’s Bourbon Allocated?
Michter’s Bourbon and any other types of Michter’s is currently allocated as demand exceeds supply . So, Michter’s bottles are available in selected regions and stores only.
Some of the allocated and “hardest-to-find” Michter’s bottles include:
- Michter’s Single Barrel 10-Year Rye (Limited Release)
- Michter’s Single Barrel 10-Year Bourbon
- Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon
- Michter’s Toasted Sour Mash Whiskey
- Michter’s US-1 Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey
Mitcher’s Bottles That Are Hard To Find
Michter’s Limited Release 25-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
This Michter’s limited release is made from sourced barrels from a 25-year-old juice– zero cutting ensures the absolute best possible flavor.
“A hallmark of our older whiskeys is that they have beautifully complex character while not being overly oaked.”
— Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Master of Maturation
This is a rich and flavorful holiday drink combining dried fruits and candied nuts, creating a smoky almond nuttiness.
Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Rye
Another rare expression from Michter’s is the 10-Year Single Barrel Rye. Actually, this is a phenomenal rye, which is perfect for Manhattans.
You probably can’t see any of this spirit in liquor stores, as it was produced in limited quantities only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the rarest Mitcher’s bottle?
The rarest Michter’s expression is the Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash, with only 273 bottles available to the public.
What’s the most elusive Mitcher bourbon bottle?
The most elusive Michter bourbon bottle is still the Celebration Sour Mash, but Michter’s will release the 2022 version in limited quantities (328 bottles), and it’ll be hard to tell where you can find such “rare” spirits.
Is Michter’s bourbon allocated?
Yes, Michter’s bourbon is often allocated due to its limited production and high demand. The term “allocated” in the bourbon world means that the distribution is restricted, and the availability of Michter’s products may vary from region to region.
The limited supply and growing popularity contribute to its allocation, making it a sought-after and sometimes elusive whiskey for enthusiasts.
Is Michter’s bourbon top shelf?
Indeed, Michter’s bourbon is often considered top-shelf whiskey. The term “top shelf” generally refers to premium and high-quality spirits that are displayed on the upper shelves of bars.
Michter’s has gained a reputation for producing exceptional bourbons known for their craftsmanship, unique flavor profiles, and attention to detail in the aging process.
As a result, many whiskey connoisseurs and collectors place Michter’s products among the top-tier offerings in the bourbon market.
Why is Michter’s so expensive?
The price of Michter’s bourbon reflects several factors. Firstly, the brand focuses on producing small-batch and limited-edition expressions, which inherently increases production costs.
Additionally, Michter’s employs meticulous production methods, including careful selection of grains, extended aging periods, and the use of premium barrels for maturation. These factors contribute to a higher cost of production.
Furthermore, the brand’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail results in a premium product that commands a higher price in the competitive whiskey market.
Why is bourbon so hard to find now?
Several factors contribute to the current scarcity of bourbon. One significant factor is the surge in popularity of bourbon and whiskey in recent years, driven by a growing global interest in craft spirits.
This increased demand has outpaced the industry’s ability to produce and age whiskey, leading to shortages. Furthermore, some distilleries intentionally limit the release of certain expressions to create a sense of exclusivity, adding to the difficulty in finding specific bourbons.
Additionally, external factors such as fluctuations in grain prices, supply chain challenges, and regulatory issues can impact production, contributing to the overall difficulty in meeting the rising demand for bourbon.
How do you know if a bourbon is allocated?
Determining if a bourbon is allocated involves several indicators. Typically, distilleries or retailers will explicitly state that a particular bourbon is allocated on their website, promotional materials, or through official announcements.
Limited availability at retail locations is another sign, with some stores receiving only a few bottles and implementing lotteries or waiting lists.
Additionally, high demand coupled with a history of quick sellouts and inflated secondary market prices often signifies that a bourbon is allocated.
Why is Michter’s 10 year so expensive?
The Michter’s 10 Year bourbon commands a higher price for several reasons. Firstly, the extended aging process of a decade contributes significantly to production costs, as the whiskey spends more time maturing in barrels, absorbing flavors and developing complexity. Michter’s also employs a careful selection process for grains and barrels, emphasizing quality over quantity.
The limited availability of this aged expression further intensifies its price, as it becomes a sought-after collector’s item among bourbon enthusiasts.
Additionally, the brand’s commitment to producing premium, small-batch whiskeys with a focus on craftsmanship and detail adds to the overall expense of creating Michter’s 10 Year.
Is Michter’s bourbon smooth?
Yes, Michter’s bourbon is often praised for its smooth and well-balanced character. The brand places a strong emphasis on quality and craftsmanship throughout the production process, resulting in a whiskey that is known for its approachable and refined taste profile.
Michter’s bourbons are carefully crafted, with attention given to the selection of grains, fermentation, distillation, and aging in premium barrels.
This meticulous approach contributes to the smoothness of the final product, making Michter’s a favored choice among those who appreciate a well-rounded and velvety bourbon.
Who owns Michter’s bourbon?
Michter’s bourbon is owned by Michter’s Distillery, a company that traces its roots back to the Shenk’s and Bomberger’s Distillery in Pennsylvania, established in the 18th century. In its modern form, Michter’s was revived in the 1990s by Joseph J. Magliocco and Richard Newman.
The brand has since gained a reputation for producing high-quality bourbons and ryes, with a commitment to traditional techniques and craftsmanship.
Today, Michter’s is recognized as a prominent player in the premium whiskey market.
Is Michter’s whiskey good?
Yes, Michter’s whiskey is widely regarded as excellent, garnering praise for its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and distinctive flavor profiles.
The brand’s commitment to quality, small-batch production, and the use of premium ingredients contribute to the overall positive reception of Michter’s whiskey among enthusiasts and critics alike.
Which is the No 1 expensive whiskey in the world?
The title of the most expensive whiskey can vary over time, considering new releases and market trends. However, certain limited-edition and aged expressions from renowned distilleries like The Macallan, Dalmore, or Karuizawa often command high prices on the secondary market.
The specific “No 1” expensive whiskey can change based on auctions, releases, and collector demand.
What is the best bourbon in the world?
Determining the “best” bourbon is subjective, as it depends on personal preferences and taste preferences. However, some bourbons consistently receive high praise in the industry.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve, George T. Stagg, and William Larue Weller, often part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, are frequently mentioned among the best bourbons due to their exceptional quality, complexity, and limited availability.
What is the fanciest bourbon?
The term “fancy” can encompass various aspects, including packaging, branding, and overall presentation. High-end and luxury bourbons often feature elaborate packaging, premium materials, and exclusive releases.
Some examples of bourbons with a reputation for being fancy include Blanton’s Gold Edition, Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition, and Angel’s Envy Cask Strength, known not only for their exceptional taste but also for the attention to detail in their presentation and branding, making them sought-after choices for those looking for a sophisticated bourbon experience.
Final Verdict: Is Michter’s Bourbon Hard to Find
With the growing fans of Michter’s, their bourbons and other expressions are getting allocated and harder to find nowadays.
As demand exceeds supply and commodity, there are expressions you can’t easily find in your local liquor stores or favorite online retailers.
Almost all types of Michters are getting allocated, and we can’t be sure where those bottles will be on sale in the future.
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