For those who do not know, it is bourbon and whiskey allocation season again! Every fall, typically starting in late September, many distilleries release their annual allocated bottles. I am often lucky enough to find a few of these allocated bottles each year, however, I more often than not pass on purchasing them due to inflated markup costs. Nonetheless, today’s review and next week’s review are two of these 2024 allocated bottles. Today’s review comes from the Michter’s Distillery and is Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey Batch#24E2216.

Bottle Information

From the Michter’s Distillery website: Shenk’s Homestead Distillery Sour Mash Whiskey honors the legacy of historic American whiskey figure John Shenk, who in 1753 founded a distillery that was to become known as Michter’s in the 20th Century. It is made in Kentucky according to the traditional Sour Mash process whereby a portion of the previously distilled whiskey mash (referred to as “setback”) is added into the next batch. This full-bodied small-batch whiskey is 91.2 proof.

This 2024 release of Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey is an expression made with a substantial amount of rye. This offering uses rye whiskey that has aged in French oak sourced from the Vosges region of France before being naturally air dried and seasoned for 24 months and being toasted to our specifications. This release also includes whiskeys with unique grains in their recipes including malted rye and caramel malt which offer a nice creaminess to complement the rye forward herbaceous and spice qualities.

• Distiller: Bottled by Michter’s Distillery
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed (malted rye and caramel malt)
• Proof: 91.2
• Age: NAS
• Year: 2024
• MSRP: $110
• 2024 National Average: $209
• Official Website

Typically this release, and its sister Bomberger’s, have been quite difficult to find in NoCo, let alone at or near MSRP. Although it has been two years since I have been able to review both bottles, I was able to purchase these at near the suggested retail price, and continue to see both these bottles available at this cost in several stores.

Overall, This is a fun and funky gal! Unlike any Shenk’s I have had before, the uniqueness of the grains and the French Oak is unlike anything I have had before, and that is a great thing! Notes of coffee and expresso are found throughout and are balanced with sweet vanilla and allspice goodness. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: French Roasted Coffee, Honey Roasted Peanut, Dark Chocolate, Caramel, Rye Spice, Oak, Allspice, and a Slight Citrus
• Palate: Caramel, Rye Spice, Sweet Oak, Vanilla, Bread Dough, Allspice, and Dark Chocolate Expresso Bean
• Finish: Medium with Notes of Sweet Oak and Allspice
• My Rating: Drink It! (This is a fun and funky gal!)

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™