Details
- Price: $47
- Proof: 86.6 (43.3% ABV)
- Type: Rye
- Age: No Age Statement
- Distillery: Micther’s
- Visit the distillery page at Michter’s Straight Rye
Review
Nose: The nose has medium heat and a hint of the rye grain. The alcohol scent is above an 84 proof whiskey; I would have guessed 95 proof in a blind test. Michter’s has a nice appearance with a dark, rich color.
Palate: The taste doesn’t match the nose as there is little to no heat on the first sip, but it builds the longer you wait. There’s good complexity in this rye whiskey as you pickup moderate spiciness and smooth, rich flavors. It’s a tasty rye, but lacks bolder flavors offered by competitors. Michter’s is chill-filtered, so it loses some of the chemicals that add to the mouthfeel and complexity. If you’re seeking a clean tasting rye, this is a great option. For those with bolder palates, Pikesville Rye is a better whiskey at a similar price. A bottle of Micther’s is a must have in a larger collection, and this rye expression is our recommendation from the distillery.
Finish: The word that came to mind in the finish was – classy. The single barreling process adds to the character of the whiskey and offers a delicious flavor. This is smooth rye and would be incredible in a cocktail for certain palates (i.e. consumers seeking an elegant taste without the burn and bolder flavors).
Rating
Overall Score: 6.7 (score reflects taste and price)
Micther’s US 1 Kentucky Straight Rye is a single barrel rye distilled at a modest 86.6 proof. It offers exceptional craftsmanship, providing rich, smooth flavors and moderate spiciness and complexity. However, it lacks bolder flavors sought in a rye whiskey. This will be a favorite for some Degenerates, but it may come up short for others. I lean to bolder flavors, and I still enjoy the great taste of this whiskey and would recommend it to all (temper expectations though).
Degenerate Discussion
Micther’s Rye was among the first 15 bottles I purchased on the way to a collection that quickly grew to over 70 bottles (and is in the 100’s today). Years ago, I loved this whiskey while I was building my palate and considered it among my favorites at the proof. Today, I have a bolder palate but still appreciate the craftsmanship Michter offers. However, I wish they would create a non chill-filtered expressions to increase the complexity and flavors of their whiskey. They have a great mash bill and above average distilling, but they refuse to budge on allowing the whiskey to ‘be itself’ with imperfections and deeper flavor. They remind me of…well, me. I’m stubborn as shit and never take good advice. If I listened to my wife and family more often, I’d be a retired millionaire drinking whiskey every day. Unfortunately, I just keep doing my thing and barely keeping my head above water. I probably shouldn’t throw stones in a glass house, but hopefully Michter’s is more willing to implement feedback than me. Cheers Degenerates!
Listings
You can find Michter’s Straight Rye on the following Degenerate listings:
- Top 10 Rye Whiskeys
- Single Barrel Whiskey Reviews