Every once in a while you walk into one of your local stores and sitting there on the shelf is a limited bottle at MSRP. It does not happen often, but it is those days that make bourbon hunting so much fun; especially when it is from one of your favorite distilleries. Today’s review comes from Michter’s Distillery LLC and is the Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey (Barrel No. 24B0851).

Bottle Information

From the Michter’s 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 US★1 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.

• Distiller: Bottled by Michter’s Distillery LLC
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed
• Proof: 111.0
• Age: NAS
• Year: 2024
• MSRP: $100
• 2024 National Average: $199
• Official Website

Like many limited-releases from Michter’s, this is the only bottle I have seen in NoCo. Overall, this vanilla bomb mixed with Gummy Cinnamon Bears continues to surprise me with every sip. Almost two years later since I first tried this annual release and I still absolutely love it! Although not as impressionable as the 2022 release, this is still a fantastic bottle that I would purchase a second of if given the chance. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Vanilla, Rye Spice, Red Fruit, Gummy Cinnamon Bears, Maple Syrup, Frosting, and Oak
• Palate: Nothing Like the Nose… Rye Spice, Cinnamon, Toasted Oak, Dill, Red Apple, and Slight Sweet Vanilla
• Finish: Long Colorado Winters Hug of Warm Rye Spice and Cinnamon
• My Rating: Drink It/Save It! (Although not as impressionable as the 2022 release, this is still a fantastic bottle that I would purchase a second of if given the chance.)

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™