Distillery: Michter’s
Region: Kentucky, United States
Age Statement: 10 Years
Mash Bill: Not disclosed (proprietary)
Proof & ABV: 94.4 Proof / 47.2% ABV
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Rich toffee, caramel, vanilla, and charred oak with subtle hints of maple syrup and toasted spice.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with layered notes of butterscotch, Demerara syrup, orange peel, dark chocolate, black cherry, and toasted wood.
Finish: Long and elegant with lingering vanilla, dark berries, mint, leather, and a touch of tobacco over a refined oak spice base.
Production & Aging:
Michter’s 10 Year is a single barrel Kentucky straight bourbon, aged in new charred American white oak barrels for a minimum of 10 years. Each barrel is carefully selected for maturity and flavor development, with some barrels exceeding the stated age. Bottled at a moderate 94.4 proof, it reflects the brand’s focus on flavor balance and oak integration rather than maximum strength.
Distinctive Characteristics:
- Single barrel format ensures unique nuances with each release.
- Lower proof than typical 10-year bourbons, highlighting refinement over heat.
- Deep oak presence without overwhelming the complex sweet and spice notes.
- Highly sought after among collectors and enthusiasts for both quality and scarcity.
Ideal Serving Suggestions:
- Neat: Best appreciated in a Glencairn or tulip glass after a short rest.
- With a splash of water: Opens up additional herbal and fruit notes.
- On the rocks: Large cube to slightly chill and mellow without diluting flavor.
-
Premium Cocktails:
- Old Fashioned: 2 oz Michter’s 10, ¼ oz rich simple syrup, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, orange twist.
- Manhattan: 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2 dashes bitters, stirred and garnished with cherry.
- Food Pairing: Complements rich dishes and desserts like dark chocolate torte, pecan pie, or maple-glazed pork belly.