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Last Updated on February 4, 2023 by Lydia Martin
With the increasing number of distilleries introducing different sour mash expressions, choosing what suits your palate can be quite challenging.
Among the popular ones today is the sour mash expression from Michter’s.
If you have yet to try their sour mash before and want to consider it, here we’ll detail its strengths and weaknesses in this Michter’s US-1 Sour Mash review.
All About Michter’s US-1 Sour Mash Whiskey
The term “Sour mash” in Michter’s refers to the process used to make Michter’s US1 Original sour mash whiskey.
This method involves taking some fermented mash from one batch and starting the fermentation process on the next batch.
It’s said that this method makes the whiskey more complex and sweet.
The Original US*1 Sour Mash whiskey from Michter’s is labeled as a whiskey instead of a Bourbon.
The mash bill is undisclosed, but there are speculations it contains less than 51% corn, which is less than the minimum amount required to be called a bourbon.
Quick Stats
| Distillery | Michter’s Distillery |
| Whiskey Type & Region | Whiskey/Kentucky, USA |
| Barrel Proof | 86 |
| Mash Bill | Sour Mash (undisclosed) |
| Age | NAS |
| Average Price | Approx. $50.99/750ml |
Nose
A combination of sweet notes such as nutmeg and fresh apple mingle with hints of vanilla and cinnamon for a warm, comforting aroma.
This scent is hard to fault as it heavily delivers the “bourbon” aroma with hints of anise.
Taste
A good whiskey should have a good sip, and this one is no different.
It has a variety of sweet flavors like coffee cake, butterscotch, and vanilla, which are all well-rounded and satisfying.
Very old-fashioned in nature, but the combination of cherries, raspberries, and cinnamon buns is savory.
Finish
The combination of rye spice and a ramp-up in heat creates a sharp contrast to this drink’s smooth and sweet palate.
A layer of dryness then wraps the finish, which strips the sweetness.
Fun Facts About Michter’s US-1 Sour Mash Whiskey
History & Origin
The original Michter’s distillery was established in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania. It produced various products such as Old Overholt and Michter’s Original Sour Mash.
It also had a connection to C. Everett Beam, one of its master distillers.
During the 1990s, Joseph Magliocco, the president of Chatham Imports, partnered with Richard Newman, known for his work with Old Crow, Wild Turkey, and Old Granddad, to revive the brand.
They opened a facility in Louisville, Kentucky, where they bottle and release a variety of highly regarded whiskeys and bourbons.
Production Process
Michter’s didn’t disclose the exact mash bill of the US1 Sour Mash Whiskey.
But they’re very transparent about the process of producing this spirit, which undergoes the following:
- Michter’s used wood that has been properly dried and thoroughly treated for around 18 to 48 months to enhance the natural flavor and reduce the levels of tannins added to the whiskey.
- Before charring, the barrels are toasted to add more flavor and hue to the spirit.
- Next, it enters the barrels at 103-proof for aging.
- While aging, it undergoes heat cycling to absorb more flavors.
- Then, it will proceed to chill filtering to remove the flavor and aroma that can be lost through carbon filtration.
- Finally, it’s bottled at 86-proof (or 43% ABV).
Age Statement & Barrel Proof
Michter’s US1 Sour Mash is a no-age-statement whiskey, so the length of aging is undisclosed. It’s barreled at 103-proof, but since it’s chill-filtered, it is bottled at 86-proof.
Uniqueness
The sweet taste of Michter’s US1 Original Sour Mash whiskey is front and center. While the palate offers plenty of complex flavors, the finish is a bit lackluster.
According to Michter’s, their whiskey has a unique grain selection so it has a significant influence on the flavor of this drink.
“Washington and his troops drank Michter’s while they were hunkered down in Valley Forge…whiskey connoisseurs are giving it high marks.”
— Maria Puente, Entertainment Reporter
While the label claims that the whiskey’s “sour mash” is rare, the palate is incredibly smooth, and the sweetness is exceptional.
Awards Received
The awards bagged by Michter’s US1 Sour Mash Whiskey include:
- 4-star rating from F. Pacult’s Spirits Journal
- 2019’s “Whiskey of the Year” by the Whiskey Exchange
- 2022’s #1 Top Trending American Whiskey brand by Drinks International [1]
Distillery & Ownership
The owner and distiller of the Michter’s US1 Sour Mash are the Michter’s Distillery itself, located in Louisville, Kentucky.
Value & Availability
The smooth texture of this whiskey takes it above average value. Despite its enjoyable sweet taste, the overall baseline of this drink could be more impressive. It can be attributed to the whiskey’s lackluster finish.
This is produced in limited quantities, so it’s not widely available in liquor stores.
How to Drink It
There’s no such “right way” to drink whiskey; it all depends on your style and preference.
But with Michter’s sour mash, we suggest mixing it with Coke over ice or just on the rocks.
Common Michter’s US-1 Sour Mash Whiskey Price
This sour mash from Michter’s costs around $50.99 per 750m on Drizly. The price is just right, not cheap and not expensive.
| Type | Size | Alcohol Proof | Average Price |
| Michter’s US1 Sour Mash | 750ml | 86 | $50.99 |
Compared to Other Whiskeys
George Dickel Recipe No. 8 Classic Tennessee Sour Mash
George Dickel No. 8 is cheaper than Michter’s, but considering the alcohol content, Michter’s is quite higher at 43% ABV compared to GD’s 40% ABV.
On the tasting notes, they’re almost comparable. The cherry, cinnamon, and butterscotch notes are noticeable in both spirits.
Belle Meade Sour Mash Straight Bourbon
Belle Meade and Michter’s are within the same price range, but the former is higher in proof (at 45% ABV) than the latter (at 43% ABV).
If you’re a rye fan, you’ll like Belle Meade better than Michter’s. But if you’re on the sweet and spicy side, Michter’s is way better.
Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Old Fashioned Sour Mash Bib Bourbon
Colonel E.H. is more high-proof and pricey compared to Michter’s. But the high ABV of Colonel’s justifies the price point.
You would prefer Colonel than Michter’s if you’re into high-proof whiskeys with a little heat. But if you’re a beginner, then Michter’s is much better. It could be stronger and more complex.
FAQs
Why is Michter’s sour mash not bourbon?
Michter’s sour mash isn’t bourbon, probably because it’s not made with at least 51% corn, which is the percentage required for a spirit to be called “bourbon.” [2]
Michter’s didn’t disclose the mash bill of their sour mash, but as per the website, the mash contains a fair amount of rye in addition to a fair amount of corn and a little barley.
Is Michter’s US-1 Sour Mash Whiskey hard to find?
Michter’s US-1 sour mash whiskey is hard to find nowadays. It is getting rare since it was produced in small batches, so there are only limited quantities.
Is Michter’s sour mash allocated?
Michter’s sour mash is now subject to allocation because the demand is way more than the supply.
Final Thoughts
Michter’s US1 Sour Mash Whiskey is an average smooth and sweet whiskey. Nothing really special in this spirit; it’s just your typical sour mash whiskey.
The only edge here is it’s like an old-fashioned whiskey, where you can keep returning to the old-day whiskeys—smooth, creamy, and sweet.
It’s disappointing that the finish of this whiskey is so lackluster, as it offers so much in its own right.
However, it still remains a delightful whiskey that anyone can enjoy (minus the high expectations).
References:
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/michters-announces-2022-release-of-us1-barrel-strength-rye-301499121.html
- https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/04/5-rules-that-make-it-bourbon.html
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.
