Well, it’s that time of year again as the temps in Colorado are extremely nice during the day, well at least to me, and the evenings are becoming cool and perfect rye sipping. I will admit, this is my favorite time of the year to turn on the porch heater on a Friday or Saturday evening with a cigar and delightful rye that will offer me a Colorado Winters Hug. In my opinion, there is nothing better than the warm sweet spices of a rye whiskey mixing with the tad bitter taste of a cigar on a cool fall night. Thus, tonight’s review, although written last Saturday night, is from the Michter’s Distillery, and is their 2022 Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey release.

From the Michter’s Distillery Website: Since the 1990’s, the Michter’s team has been doing pioneering work to re-establish the high quality American Rye whiskey category. The May 2015 inaugural release of Michter’s US1 Barrel Strength Rye marked yet another milestone in that quest. For maturation, the Rye distillate is entered into the barrel at 103 proof, rather than a more industry standard higher proof. Barrel entry at a lower proof of 103 rather than a higher proof costs Michter’s more money in terms of barrels and warehousing, but we believe it yields a richer, smoother, more full-bodied whiskey after proper maturation. A single barrel product, each barrel of Michter’s US1 Barrel Strength Rye is bottled at its particular alcohol level at the time of bottling. The majority of barrels in the releases range from 107 to 112 proof.

Although I did not think I would find any of these bottles this year, I was fortunate enough to actually purchase two at almost near MSRP. This bottle was quite present in NoCo as we found at least a dozen throughout the area; however these bottles all had a vast price range from $105 to $299, and yes they all disappeared even at $200 over MSRP. Overall, Michter’s has once again delivered an amazing product that is perfect for sipping on those cool and cold fall/winter nights. Predominantly rye spice forward, but not overpowering, this well balanced sweet and spicy rye whiskey provides one of the best Colorado Winters Hug I have had in a very long time and that I love some much during this time of year! For those unfamiliar with this term, it is probably better known as a “Kentucky Hug,” and is that long lasting feeling that “hugs” the back of your throat as it coats its path to your stomach. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Prominent Rye Spices, But Not Over Powering, with Additional Notes of Dry Oak, Brown Sugar, Bananas, Dark Fruits, and Clove
• Palate: Beautifully Balanced with Sweet Notes of Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Dark Cherries and Rye Spices
• Finish: Medium to Long Colorado Winters Hug with Notes of Sweet Vanilla, Dry Oak, and Mild Rye Spices
• 2022 MSRP: $99
• 2022 National Average: $169
• Proof: 111.8
• My Rating: Save It! (I bought a second bottle for the vault!)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman