This bottle, and what I like to call its sister bottle, Bomberger’s Declaration, have become regular annual releases that I search out and purchase each year. Although both releases can vary drastically from year to year, I have yet to have a bottle of either that truly disappoints me; although some years are definitely better than others. Today’s review comes from the Michter’s Distiller and is their 2025 release of Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey (Batch#25E1797).

Bottle Information

From the Michter’s Distillery website: Shenk’s Homestead 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.

Similar to previous releases, this 2025 Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey is an expression made with a good amount of rye. To accentuate the rye characters, some of the fully matured whiskey was finished in toasted only French oak barrels that were not charred. This wood was sourced from the Vosges region of France before being naturally air dried and seasoned for 24 months and being toasted to our exacting specifications. With this year’s release using the toasted French oak, a bolder, lingering spice emerges balanced by some dried fruit and toasty burnt sugar and toffee qualities.

• Distiller: Bottled by Michter’s Distillery
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed
• Proof: 91.2
• Age: NAS
• Year: 2025
• MSRP: $110
• 2024 National Average: $210
• Official Website

Unlike the past four years of this hobby where these two bottles were near impossible to find, and often overpriced, this year was different. The 2025 and 2024 releases still sit on several shelves across the NoCo area and most are at MSRP. Overall, this year’s Shenk’s Homestead was a bit of a let-down, especially when compared to their 2024 release. Still a very enjoyable pour with notes of vanilla, toasted oak, baking spice, and an odd sour citrus note that I could not overcome. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Sour Citrus, Vanilla, Oak, Marshmallow, Baking Spice, and Brown Sugar
• Palate: Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Toasted Oak, Sour Citrus and Baking Spice
• Finish: Short to Medium with Notes of Sweet Dry Oak, and Vanilla
• My Rating: Mix It!/Drink It! (A bit of a let done, especially when compared to their 2024 release. This is still enjoyable though and a solid whiskey, but I feel like it is lacking something…)

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®