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Last Updated on March 7, 2023 by Lydia Martin
The Michter’s brand goes beyond the traditional blending of whiskey by introducing their Unblended American Whiskey, which doesn’t have the usual corn, rye, and barley grains.
Since this whiskey is crafted differently from others, how do you think would it taste like?
Let’s all find out in this Michter’s American Whiskey review.
Michter’s American Small Batch Whiskey In-Depth Review
Michter’s Unblended American Whiskey used bourbon-soaked barrels (as per the label, also mean ex-bourbon barrels) with no neutral grain spirits in the blend.
The dark cask in the Michter’s bottle is quite unique, and it contains the spirit bottled at 41.7% ABV, making it an easy sipper.
The nose packs caramel and molasses scents, and the palate is sweet. And the finish? It’s lingering vanilla all the way with a spiky aftertaste.
Quick Facts
| Distillery & Owner | Michter’s Distillery |
| Classification & Region | Bourbon/Kentucky, USA |
| Alcohol Proof | 83.4 |
| Mash Bill | Undisclosed |
| Cask | Whiskey-soaked white American oak barrels |
| Age Statement | NAS |
| Color | Amber |
| Rating | 4-star (Top-Shelf) |
| Average Price | Around $49.99 (MSRP) |
What’s Michter’s American Small Batch Whiskey?
Michter’s Unblended American Whiskey is a small batch that is not a bourbon or rye. It was aged in ex-bourbon tanks instead of virgin barrels, which doesn’t meet the requirement to be called “bourbon.”
The mash used in this whiskey isn’t undisclosed. But this blend has no corn, rye, or malted barley; that’s why it’s called “unblended whiskey.”
This differs greatly from Michter’s US-1 Sour Mash Whiskey and Michter’s Small Batch bourbon. And it’s also far from Michter’s US-1 Rye.
With a lower entry proof of 41.7% ABV, it can still compete with other whiskeys of the same category. This spirit is surprisingly flavorful, and there’s a unique flavor–not influenced by the bourbon barrel.
Michter’s American Small Batch Whiskey Tasting Notes
Nose
Powerful nose. It packs sweet vanilla, honey, and butterscotch aroma. There are also hints of sweet oak and pastries. We enjoy the nose; very bright and lively.
Palate
The flavors mellow down a bit on the palate. It tastes light, but the sweetness of the pastries is still noticeable, along with hints of vanilla and caramel.
Although it’s not complex, it’s delicious and pleasant to the taste buds. Also, a light cherry hint makes the palate an interesting sip.
Finish
Nutmeg and oak notes show up on the finish, along with sweet flavors of toffee, vanilla, and caramel. No bold notes here, but it’s smooth and particularly sweet.
Our Thoughts
First Sip
After one sip, this whiskey tastes real vanilla and oak. The sweet aromas are very pleasant, then they tone down a bit on the mouth and bounce back gain on the finish.
Second Chance
On the second try, nothing much happens. There’s a level up in spice but really, no spicy notes. Don’t look for corn and rye spice in this bottle (you’ll be disappointed!).
Why We Like It
- The sweet flavor isn’t overwhelming.
- No dark taste, and it’s smooth.
- Unique profile since this is an unblended American whiskey and not your typical rye and bourbon.
- Oak and vanilla-forward whiskey
Drawbacks
- Not for drinkers looking for a classic taste of bourbon whiskey
- The sweetness might be too much for some
- Produced in small batches, limited quantities
- Low-proof whiskey
- No complexity
- Undisclosed mash, so we don’t know what the mash comprises
Michter’s US-1 American Small Batch Whiskey Rating
All things considered, Michter’s US-1 Unblended American Whiskey is a 4-star, top-shelf bottle. Like a Kentucky bourbon, it has an oak spice, vanilla notes, and a smooth finish.
This is a unique label from the Michter’s brand, where the Master Distiller didn’t use any of the usual grains before fermentation, distillation, and aging.
It’s high quality, but not that inexpensive. It’s perfect for any cocktail and mixed drink.
Quick Fact: In 2022, Michters was named the “World’s Most Admired American Whiskey” and the “Top 2 Most Admired Whisky” overall in the 2nd edition of “The World’s Most Admired Whiskies,” a yearly top 50 list released by Drinks International [1].
To Get Or Forget?
Michter’s brand is one of the whiskeys you shouldn’t forget among the many bottles of good bourbon, rye, and even Scotch whiskies.
This unblended from Michter’s [2] reminds us that going beyond the standard sometimes creates a positive result.
This unique whiskey is a must-try among the Michter’s US-1 line.
“At Michter’s, the goal we strive for is to produce the greatest American whiskey.”
— Joseph J. Magliocco, Michter’s President
But if you can’t find any Michters bottle in liquor shops, it’s because there’s a shortage in production since it was produced in small batches only.
In this case, let us supply you with great alternatives like:
- Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky – double-barreled, 46.5% ABV, NAS
- Wild Turkey 101 – 50.5% ABV, NAS
- Evan Williams Single Barrel – 43.3% ABV, NAS
- Old Elk Sour Mash Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey – small-batch, 52.5% ABV, NAS
- Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Sour Mash Whiskey – expensive, 45% ABV, NAS
- Bardstown Discovery No. 4 – blended, 57.5% ABV, NAS
FAQs
Is Michter’s American small-batch whiskey a real bourbon?
Michter’s American Small Batch whiskey isn’t a real bourbon, considering today’s requirements.
To be considered bourbon, a distillate must be aged in new American oak barrels, not in ex-bourbon barrels where Michter’s spent aging.
Is Michter’s American small-batch whiskey worth buying?
Yes. Michter’s American whiskey is worth the purchase due to its premium quality, unique profile, and character, the same for Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon and Sour Mash.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Michter’s American whiskey is an excellent choice not just for sipping but also for mixing drinks.
Though it lacks complexity, the flavor, smoothness, and finish make up to bring a remarkable experience.
If you’ve tried the Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon, the unblended variation is a quite unique experience you shouldn’t miss.
References:
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/michters-named-worlds-most-admired-american-whiskey-301667946.html
- https://www.pabook.libraries.psu.edu/literary-cultural-heritage-map-pa/feature-articles/michters-distillery-whiskey-warmed-revolution
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
