Michter’s 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon (2024)

By Randall H. Borkus

Rating: A-

After a 2022 hiatus that surprised everyone, Michter’s returned its 10-year-old single barrel bourbon last year in imposing style with one of the best 10-year-old bourbon whiskeys that they have ever offered, and arguably the best since 2010. Michter’s 10 Years Old Single Barrel Straight Bourbon is always aged at least ten years, sometimes older, and bottled at 94.4 proof.

The gatekeepers for any release from Michter’s are Dan McKee, Master Distiller, and Andrea Wilson, Master of Maturation. Commenting on the 2024 release of Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon, McKee said, “This a wonderful single barrel whiskey. It’s brimming with all the characteristics that I look for in a special bourbon.”  Wilson added, “We know that Michter’s fans everywhere look forward to our 10 Year Bourbon. We are excited to share the 2024 release, which again is overaged to a beautiful maturity with an excellent nose, creamy texture and an array of characteristics on the palate, that ascend through to the finish, making every drop an enjoyable moment.”

My personal whiskey library took a hit when I moved over a year ago, so I am missing some of the earlier years which I traditionally love to compare to the current expression I am enjoying.  Notwithstanding, I am in luck as I still have a few ounces of my 2023 left over for comparison.

The Whiskey
Side by side there are some notable differences in the 2023 and 2024 Bourbons; the 2023 is in essence a fruity cherry-custard-strawberry mish-mash wrapped in a oak wrapper; whereas, the 2024 is a Caramel vanilla apple-pear collage of flavors landing in peppery oak. These are both excellent Bourbon Whiskies!

My diva bottle is #24B0674 at 94.4 proof (ABV 47.2) with the traditional Michter’s black wax.

The color of the bourbon is a dark amber, and it glows in my Glencairn. The nose is loaded with vanilla, over-ripe black cherry, cooked pear and oak staves.

The front palate starts with a viscous feel, transforming into a caramel-slopped syrup poured over an overripe pear. This leads the way to a rich mid-palate of ripe apple slush, caramel-vanilla and heavy oak dusting. The finish is dry and delightfully warm with a solid oak essence touched with a caramel-vanilla icing landing with a final hint of cooked fruit and a white pepper dryness.

This is a standout whiskey and a prize on my bar. The ultimate tale for me is in the afterglow. It is that moment when the empty glass has sat for a minute or two and the bourbon residue dries ever so slightly and the oak influence jumps into my senses. The afterglow here is exceptional with hints of fresh cut oak rolled in that traditional toasty sweetness generally reserved for an older finer distinguished bourbon whiskey! I really enjoyed this bourbon.

The Price
Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon has a suggested retail price of $185 per 750ml bottle and I am sure much more with many retailers.