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Already forced to allocate all its whiskey offerings due to growing demand, Michter’s Distillery will not be releasing its Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Bourbon during 2016. “The incredible popularity of our Toasted Barrel Bourbon release during the past two years made this a very tough decision,” said Michter’s Distillery President Joseph J. Magliocco. “The problem is every drop of our Toasted Barrel Bourbon that we release this year is one less drop of our Michter’s US*1 Bourbon that we have to allocate to our distributors and importers.”
As part of its plan to bring supply into better balance with demand for its ryes, bourbons, and whiskeys, Michter’s has been taking steps that will double its distillery’s capacity. Located in the Shively section of Louisville, Michter’s M2 Distillery is currently operating at its maximum distillation capacity of 500,000 proof gallons per year. The American distillers’ standard measurement of alcohol production, a proof gallon is one liquid gallon at 100 proof at 60 degrees fahrenheit. When Michter’s M2 Distillery resumes distillation in August after a month shutdown for standard annual maintenance, the distillery’s new distillation capacity will be 1,000,000 proof gallons per year.
Michter’s Vice President-Production & Distiller Pamela Heilmann stated, “By adding four more 16,000 gallon fermenters with a total capacity of 64,000 gallons and going to a second shift, we can make twice as much of the same great whiskey as we do now. Once again I was given carte blanche to put in the very best equipment.” The new equipment installed for the expansion was custom built for Michter’s by legendary Louisville-based still maker Vendome.
Master Distiller Willie Pratt, nicknamed “Dr. No” for his refusal to approve whiskey releases until he feels they are just right, said, “It’s really great for us to be able to offer more of our whiskeys to people at home and abroad, but Michter’s will never sacrifice quality to do so.”
