Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon Review (2024)

By Randall H. Borkus

Rating: A

This 2024 release of US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon is the latest in ten years of the label. The Toasted Barrel expression is distinguished from the standard US*1 Bourbon by its double new oak treatment: a second maturation round in a toasted barrel, following its initial rest in a new American charred oak barrel. The toasted finishing takes place in a custom barrel fashioned from 18-month air-dried wood that is toasted only, not charred. Although not the original double new oak bourbon (Woodford Double Oaked preceded it by two years), it is a very early example of what is now a very well-entrenched process in the whiskey trade.

“Ten years ago, after a good deal of research and experimentation, we released the first toasted barrel whiskey: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon,” observed Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco. “We had no idea it would be such a groundbreaking product.”

“It’s a testament to our team that so many other great distillers have followed us in releasing toasted barrel finish whiskeys. There are many different toast profiles in which the barrel is heated to create beautiful flavor notes. This year’s Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon reminds me of a fall evening where we are roasting campfire treats with graham crackers, marshmallows, caramel and butterscotch,” said Michter’s Master of Maturation, Andrea Wilson is responsible for Michter’s aging and finishing program.

As we experienced with previous releases, it’s a distinct flavor profile compared to the traditional US*1 Michter’s Bourbon whiskey. This has made the expression a fan favorite, so much so that Micther’s has given their Rye and Sour Mash whiskeys the same treatment.

The Bourbon
The whiskey’s color is an amber-copper in my glass, with oily legs dancing on the sides of my Glencairn glass. The nose is full of toasted honey caramel and butterscotch custard.

The front and mid-palate are chock full of buttery caramel, French vanilla and butterscotch. Just a little water brings out sprinkles of toasted brown sugar cookie crumbs and an oaky sweetness sprinkled with burnt honey.  The mouth feel is warm, juicy and viscus. The finish is loaded with sweet, toasted oak, a hint of butterscotch and a dry almond nuttiness.

This is a worthy pour, and I have plenty of backup on my bar this time around. I so wish they’d make more of it! (Andrea Wilson, are you listening?)

The Price
The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle of this 91.4 proof whiskey is $110.00, but I have found it in my travels in Chicago and Minneapolis for retail prices of $129.99 to $199.00.