Michter’s Single Barrel Rye
Overall Score: 6.75/10
Overall Value: 3.5/5
Distillery: Undisclosed
Classification: Straight Rye
Company: Michter’s Distillery
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 84.4
Age: NAS (Aged at least 4 years based on TTB regulations)
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Copper
MSRP: $45
The Barrel Bros’ Review
Michter's Rye presents a great blend of nostalgia and warmth, similar to an old-fashioned candy shop with its inviting smells of caramel and cherry. This nose is further enriched by the emergence of dark fruits, oak, and a subtle hint of marshmallow, evoking memories as vivid as summer camp evenings.
On the palate, Michter's Rye surprises with a mouthfeel that defies its 84 proof, showcasing a sweetness of red fruits — though some may yearn for a higher proof to deliver that extra punch. The transition from toasted marshmallow to a well-rounded oakiness, accented by notes of Heath bar, sourdough, and a hint of smokiness, ensures a complex yet accessible flavor.
This rye's quick finish, carrying toffee and caramel flavors, leaves a bourbon-like impression, making it an ideal entry point for bourbon fans exploring the rye territory.
Despite its charm and complexity, Michter's Rye might leave enthusiasts desiring more, especially those accustomed to the brand's higher-end offerings. Its MSRP reflects a value proposition that balances quality and fundability.
Ultimately, Michter's Rye stands as a terrific choice for those seeking a lower-proof rye with a rich — though some may agrue muted — flavor profile, warranting a place on the shelf for both casual enjoyment and as a good introduction to the rye category.
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
I'm first greeted with notes of woodiness, specifically cedar followed shortly by oak.
There is a light sweetness that follows that reminds me of vanilla bean ice cream. I love the nose on this pour, something about it reminds me of summer camp when I was young.
THE TASTE:
Toasted marshmallow is the primary flavor that comes through that moves into a very pleasant oakiness. I'm never a huge fan of oak being the primary flavor on the palate and there's no risk of that here. I then get secondary notes of Heath bar, specifically once the chocolate has been sucked off, Sourdough bread, and some smokiness.
THE FINISH:
The finish continues those final notes from the palate; toffee, caramel, etc. It is very quick which is my only complaint.
There is some woodiness present as well. The drink finishes like a bourbon rather than a rye, which is very pleasant and compliments the previous flavors.
BUY OR PASS?
The mouth feel is great at 84 proof, and this bottle would be a very good entry rye for bourbon drinkers. If you want some good whiskey notes but don't want too much ABV this is a great choice. As I mentioned before something about this bottle reminds me of summer camp. My favorite aspect of this whiskey is that it packs a lot of flavor for the proof point.
The Hunter Says
Score: 6/10
Value: 3.5/5
Disclaimer: Back in September, I had the pleasure (or perhaps the curse) of visiting the Michter's bar in Louisville with a few pals. We did a flight of their highly allocated offerings, which, let me tell you, were nothing short of amazing. But here's the kicker: the bottle I'm about to talk about isn't one of those. So, there's a chance my views might be tinged with a hint of what could've been, knowing just how spectacular Michter's can get with a bit more age and higher proof.
THE NOSE:
When you first bring that glass to your nose, it's like walking into an old-fashioned candy shop. You're greeted with the rich, comforting scent of Werther's Originals, a dash of caramel, and that unmistakable Baby Ruth candy bar aroma.
Give it a moment, and you'll find a hint of cherry Twizzlers weaving its way through. Stick around long enough, and the darker fruits start to emerge, playing off a backdrop of slight oak and a whisper of marshmallow.
THE TASTE:
It's got a good mouthfeel that might catch you off guard, especially for an 84 proofer. There's a sweetness there, reminiscent of red fruits that dance on the palate, which is quite enjoyable.
But here's the thing – as much as I wanted to be knocked off my feet, I found myself wishing for a bit more punch, a bit more proof. It's not your typical high-rye flavor profile, which could be a plus or minus, depending on your palate. It won't leave you disappointed, but it's not exactly going to blow your socks off either.
THE FINISH:
Well, it's there, but it's like listening to a band play their final note a bit too softly.
You're left wanting more, imagining how much better it could have been with a bit more oomph behind it.
BUY OR PASS?
Michter's Rye is a decent low-proof option for your daily sipping needs. It's good to have around, sure, but if you've had the pleasure of tasting their more elusive, higher-end stuff, this bottle might just leave you feeling a tad underwhelmed.
It's like catching a glimpse of the summit from halfway up the mountain – you know there's better out there, and that can be a tough pill to swallow.
