Michter’s Toasted Rye
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Overall Value: 4.5/5
Distillery: Undisclosed
Classification: Straight Rye Finished in Toasted Barrels
Company: Michter’s Distillery
Release Date: September 2024
Proof: 108
Age: NAS (Aged at least 4 years based on TTB regulations)
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Dark Cinnamon
MSRP: $130 (2024)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose of Michter’s Toasted Rye is an amazing blend of vanilla custard, nougat, and graham cracker, layered with sweet baking spices that evoke memories of Christmas morning. Rich notes of blackberry syrup and salted pretzels add some depth, while subtle mixed wood undertones provide balance. As it opens, darker elements of chocolate and caramel emerge, making the nosing experience almost addictive.
The melted butter mouthfeel on the palate delivers a variety of flavors. Salted caramel and marshmallow lead the charge, while the toasted barrel influence adds a delightful blackened marshmallow profile. The rye spice, reminiscent of nutmeg, is subtle but effective, enhancing the complexity without overwhelming it. It’s not as sweet as the nose suggests, but the contrast works great to keep the palate dynamic and engaging.
The finish lingers long and smooth, dominated by the rich, toasted notes of marshmallow and dark chocolate — it’s a perfectly crafted s’more. The marshmallow sweetness is balanced by a hint of oak, leaving a well-rounded variety of flavors to this pour.
Michter’s Toasted Rye delivers an experience that provides complexity and decadence. From its inviting nose to its layered palate and amazing finish, this bottle proves that whatever Michter’s is doing when they finish their product in a toasted barrel, it’s an amazing result.
At its $130 MSRP, it’s a standout whiskey, and even at a higher sale price or secondary market value, it remains a worthy pour for rye enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 8.5/10
Value: 4.5/5
THE NOSE:
The nose is sweet and rich giving notes of vanilla custard, graham cracker, and blackberry syrup.
It is sweet, fruity, and decadent. It has a subtle mixed wood undertone that balances out the sweetness and really lets the nose develop.
It was difficult to stop nosing the pour and move on to the palette!
THE TASTE:
The palate has a melted butter mouthfeel and full bodied flavor that really jumps out the gate.
The darkness of the toasted barrel really comes through with a blackened marshmallow profile and a slight bit of the rye spice, similar to nutmeg.
The palate isn’t as sweet as the nose, which I believe works in its favor, as it’s more complex than a singular sweet note.
THE FINISH:
The finish really leaves me with the classic notes of a fresh S’more. But perhaps one made with a burnt marshmallow and dark chocolate.
It’s not a simple man's treat, but one that has been elevated and is a bit more robust.
BUY OR PASS?
All aspects of this pour scream complex. The nose, the palate, and the finish deliver pretty different experiences while remaining “On Brand.”
The toasted aspect is certainly the highlight and anyone you enjoys a full whiskey experience will love this bottle.
The Hunter Says
Score: 8.5/10
Value: 4.5/5
THE NOSE:
Vanilla, nougat, and crème dominate, mixed with sweet baking spices that feel like Christmas morning.
It’s warm and inviting, like sitting by a campfire making s’mores. There’s also a hint of salted pretzel, or maybe even the cinnamon pretzels from Auntie Anne’s at the mall.
As it opens up, darker notes of chocolate and caramel emerge.
THE TASTE:
It coats the mouth nicely but doesn’t come across overly sweet or syrupy.
The flavors, though, are anything but basic—salted caramel, marshmallow, and caramel really stand out.
The toasted finish brings everything together beautifully, elevating it far above the standard Michter’s rye.
THE FINISH:
The flavors from the palate linger, but marshmallow takes center stage in the finish.
It’s rich, smooth, and one of my absolute favorite whiskey flavors.
BUY OR PASS?
Michter’s Toasted Rye absolutely earns its $130 MSRP and its $200+ secondary value. As a big fan of Michter’s rye lineup, this is easily a top 5 pour for me.
It checks all the boxes for a special occasion whiskey and leaves no room for complaints—just pure enjoyment!
