Michter's US*1 Small Batch

Michter's US*1 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon represents the gold standard of precision, small-scale batching and uncompromising distillation philosophy. Tracing its historical roots to America's first distilling company founded by Swiss Mennonite farmer John Shenk in Pennsylvania in 1753—which famously provided whiskey to George Washington's troops during the Revolutionary War—the modern Michter's brand operates in Louisville, Kentucky, with an unyielding commitment to producing "cost-be-damned" premium American whiskey of the highest caliber.

Operating out of their state-of-the-art distillery in the Shively neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, Michter's employs a series of distinct and expensive production techniques designed to maximize flavor retention and mouthfeel. One of the cornerstone philosophies at Michter's is their custom wood protocol: staves for their barrels are air-dried and seasoned outdoors for eighteen to thirty-six months to eliminate harsh, green wood tannins before being toasted and charred. Furthermore, the aging warehouses are heat-cycled during cold winter months, inducing artificial seasonal temperature swings that keep the whiskey actively interacting with the wood year-round rather than going dormant during freezing spells.

Michter's crafts its Small Batch Bourbon from a proprietary mash bill featuring high-grade American yellow corn, rye, and malted barley. In a radical departure from industry standards, Michter's enters its new make spirit into the barrel at a remarkably low 103 barrel entry proof (51.5% entry strength), rather than the federally permitted maximum of 125 proof. Although barreling at lower proof requires more barrels and increases production costs, the higher water content dissolves concentrated wood sugars that would otherwise remain unextracted at higher alcohol levels. The final release is batched in small holding tanks containing the contents of no more than twenty individual barrels.

Bottled at 45.7% alcohol by volume (91.4 proof), Michter's US*1 Small Batch displays a radiant copper color and a remarkably velvety mouthfeel. The low barrel entry proof and bespoke heat-cycling create a luscious palate laden with rich butterscotch, vanilla cream, dried plum, and toasted nuts, accented by a gentle wave of cracked black pepper and sweet oak spice. The 91.4-proof bottling strength ensures that every nuance is delivered with clarity, offering rich complexity without excessive alcohol heat or harsh ethanol burn.

This bourbon is exceptionally pleasurable when sipped neat from a Glencairn glass or over a large cube of clear ice. As the ice gently chills the liquid, it reveals secondary notes of stone fruit, caramelized orange peel, and warm baking spices. Its balanced sweetness and rich texture also make it a standout choice for refined cocktails like the Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, or a classic Mint Julep.

Michter's US*1 Small Batch is an indispensable bottle for the discerning whiskey enthusiast who appreciates artisanal craftsmanship and meticulous production methods. It serves as an exceptional everyday luxury pour, a stellar gift for any bourbon lover, and an enduring symbol of American whiskey heritage.