Michter’s Distillery currently resides in Louisville, KY, but traces it’s roots to the mid 18th century Pennsylvania. Originally founded by John Shenk in Schaefferstown, PA, in 1753 it was later purchased Abraham Bomberger in the mid 19th century. Eventually, through a string of ownership changes the distillery became known as Micther’s in the 1950’s. Finally, it went bankrupt and completely ended operations in 1989. The name Michter’s resurfaced in 2004 with operations in Kentucky and owned by Chatham Imports, Inc.
Michter’s Small Batch attempts to carry on the tradition today by declaring that they ‘produce the best whiskey, cost be damned.’ That’s a bold statement, but Michter’s is less transparent on the age or mash bill of their whiskey. They claim that it’s ready when the master distiller and panel deem it ready. However, they do detail their in-depth process fairly well. The bourbon is bottled at 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV). Without further ado, on to the Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon review.
Appearance
In the bottle, Michter’s Small Batch portrays a cinnamon coloring. Pouring it into the glass and giving it a swirl allows the whiskey to coat the sides very thickly. Fast forming and long slender legs appear quickly and give way to medium sized lingering beads. The bottle itself exudes a certain level of rustic sophistication, and brings a level of class to the whiskey shelf.
Nose
Michter’s hits the nose with a drying effect upon entrance. Initially, the scent profile opens with a tough to place lemon lime zest. Vague floral notes also waft in, and eventually bloom into geranium. Vanilla pops through, but only fleetingly. This leads into a mild and delicate tanginess that feels like soy sauce that additionally adds an earthy character. Overall, the nose presents a nice but borderline generic experience. The deeper into it the more it unfolds, but to get there requires some work and determination.
Palate
Michter’s enters the mouth with a noticeable astringency. The earthy hints from the nose jump out immediately in the palate with recognizable wet forest soil. This theme continues with the rooted flavor of cherry belle radish coming through. Next, some wooden tones arise primarily in the form of cherry wood. This masculine profile gets balanced out with vanilla and sweet corn, but this aspect itself is tempered by aniseed. This bourbon’s palate experience stands out with its dry yet spicy earthiness. If not ready for all of it, it can certainly catch one by surprise.
Finish
Moving into the finish, notes of marshmallow linger at first. This eventually transitions the notes of honey mustard. With heavy doses of generic spice, the finish retains traits that have pervaded throughout including an overall dry character. As Michter’s wraps up, it does so with a smooth, long tail and seemingly offers a handshake and a smile after a raucous experience. Good finish.
Drinkability
Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon should be poured on the rocks. The ice and water allow an otherwise bashful sweetness out. The sweetness doesn’t necessarily flourish here, but rather appears enough to be taken seriously – something that it lacked neat. Drink this bourbon when you want to seem like you know what you’re doing without being pretentious.
Food Pairing
Serve fresh stovetop buttered popcorn covered generously with paprika and salt. The similarity in profile between this snack and the whiskey allows the whiskey to open up sooner. This occurs as the overlapping tastes force the more hidden aspects of the whiskey out of hiding through the contrast.
Facial Hair Rating
Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon receives the Full Beard Facial Hair Rating. Robust, wild and flowing, the Full Beard carries the sentiment of the semi civilized mountaineer living in a small cabin in the woods. Despite this immediate reactionary association, the Full Beard also finds itself entrenched in academia or even hipsterdom. It’s actually a highly maintained appearance, and not merely undeveloped as it may initially seem. As such, it carries a primitive yet tamed energy.
Overall
To conclude Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon review – a heart of gold beneath a hostile exterior. Michter’s sticks to a certain dry, spicy and earthy playbook fairly consistently. Initially, it can be confusing or even surprising. However, once through this thick hide it offers a playfully complex drinking experience. To get to the point of enjoyment does require some level of sophistication while sifting through the profile. It’s not an overly accessible nor simple whiskey. While I wouldn’t necessarily offer Michter’s Small Batch to introduce someone to whiskey for the first time, it’s definitely worthwhile for those looking to take their whiskey game to another level of understanding.
Final Grade: B
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Matt M
December 13, 2021 6:36 amThe taste of Smoke Wagon is marvelous. I have tried this and this drink didn’t disappoint me. There are so many drinks in this price range but I especially like this one. Thanks, Andrew Graham for sharing this nice article.
W Smith
February 27, 2022 11:32 pmHi Keith – I don’t disagree with your review on the bourbon, but I can tell you that the Michter’s Distillery and Tasting Room in Louisville, KY is not a nice place to visit. It’s the only place around that requires proof of COVID vaccination to enter. Not a mask, mind you – they want your papers! My wife and I tried to visit on Feb 13, 2022, and let immediately after a polite young man told us he needed to invade our medical privacy in order to taste some decent quality whiskey (maybe not those exact words…).
hotshot bald cop
March 28, 2022 10:09 pmRight on my man!
ken
May 1, 2022 11:40 amHeartache Medication !!