Michter’s 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon Review (2021)

By Randall H. Borkus

Rating: A-

This past May 2021, Louisvill- based Michter’s Distillery began shipping the 2021 release of its 10 Year Bourbon.  You might recall back in July 2020 a private barrel selection bottling of Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon established the record for a barrel of bourbon purchased at auction when it was sold in London for £166,000 (US$209,462). “It’s wonderful to see the growing recognition that well-made bourbon, rye, and American whiskey are having around the world,” stated Joseph J. Magliocco, Michter’s President.  

Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon is 94.4 proof, and it sells for a suggested retail price of $150 in the U.S.  In the words of Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee, “This release is a really full bodied, special bourbon.”

It has been stored in Michter’s heat-cycled warehouses. “When we heat cycle, it increases the interaction between the whiskey and the wood allowing us to extract more character from the barrel resulting in a truly rich and exceptional whiskey that is not overly oaked,” stated Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

The Bourbon
In my glass the bourbon is dark brown with copper overtones.  The legs are long, persistent and maple syrupy in appearance.

The whiskey’s nose leaps up my nostrils with the scent of aging oak slats weaved between caramel and vanilla bean sweetness.  The palate starts with a warm smooth mouth feel that glides flavors of dried fruit, mellow leather, and a touch of sweet cream corn that holds on to my jowls midpalate.  The finish reveals a slight spicy overtone on my tongue and ends with a hint of wood spice, and a burnt Crème brûlée surprise in the back of the throat.

I really enjoy this 2021 expression from Barrel No. 21D1210 bottled at 94.4 proof.  This is damn good bourbon whiskey!  I suspect this whiskey will be in short supply and high demand.

The Price
The retail price for Michter’s 10 Year Old Bourbon 2021 is $150.  Be assured that it will be more expensive on the secondary market.