Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon Review (2021)

By Randall H. Borkus

Rating: B+

This 2021 bottling is the first release of US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon in three years. The Toasted Barrel expression is distinctive from the standard US*1 Bourbon as it undergoes a second round of maturation, following its initial rest (my best guess 6-8 years) in an American charred oak barrel. The toasted finishing takes place in a custom barrel which is constructed from 18 month air-dried wood that is toasted, but never charred. This is a new oak barrel, making it an example of the growing class of double new oak whiskeys.

As we experienced with the 2018 aqnd 2014 releases, it’s a distinct flavor profile compared to the traditional US*1 Michter’s Bourbon whiskey. So much so that Micther’s has given their Rye and Sour Mash whiskeys the same treatment.

Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco is quoted as saying “We first launched our groundbreaking US*1 Toasted Barrel Bourbon in 2014, and we followed up with releases in 2015 and 2018.  While we continue to experience whiskey shortages at Michter’s, we decided to use some of our bourbon stocks for this toasted offering so our loyal Michter’s supporters could enjoy it.”

Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson establishes the protocol for the barrel toasting and for the subsequent aging of Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Bourbon Ms. Wilson said, “This year’s release is exceptionally balanced and is the perfect complement for the fall and holiday season.”

My bottle # 21G2063, is 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) with no age statement.

The Bourbon
The whiskey’s color is a brilliant amber-copper in my glass and the whiskey has fantastic oily legs showing off a serious viscus texture that clings to my glass.  The nose has a burst of vanilla-butterscotch custard aroma that reminds me of my mom’s Karpatka (a Polish Carpathian Cream Cake consisting of two layers of wavy pâte à choux filled with a creamy custard and topped with powdered sugar resembling a snowy mountain top).  The palate is comfortably warm, proofed exactly how the distiller wanted me to experience the whiskey, with an oaky sweetness flavor coated in burnt sugars and honey.  The finish is long and enjoyable with a strong cinnamon-honey profile and a distinct oaky dryness that I just love.

I really enjoy this whiskey and hope to find a backup bottle.  It may not be at the same complexity level of the 2021 Michter’s 10-year bourbon but is worthy of its allocated bourbon status.  You won’t want to pass this up if you are fortunate enough to find a bottle in the wild.

The Price
This release comes in with a MSRP of $99.99 for a 750ml bottle. The market value, however, with retailers on Wine-Searcher clocking it at an average of $425!