Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey Review (2026)

By Richard Thomas

Rating: A-

The upscaled version of Michter’s US*1 Sour Mash Whiskey, Shenk’s Homestead, is out. Describing the 2026 Shenk’s release, Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee said, “In addition to this whiskey being a bit rye forward, we used caramel malted barley which offers a nice caramel bread pudding note that balances the beautiful spice.  The cooperage we use includes some 24-month air dried French oak from the Vosges forest as well as some 60-month air dried American oak, and this helps impart a special character to this Shenk’s release.”

I have described the history behind Shenk’s and the details of Michter’s Sour Mash generally in past reviews, so rather than rehash all that, I’ll go straight to the 91.2 proof bottle.

The Whiskey
I can see what McKee means about his light amber liquid. While sharing the same satin-esque qualities as last year’s release, it is a little more rye-driven than its predecessor. Taking how these things work into account, that could be because the notion it should be was implanted in my head from the press release of two months ago, but for what it’s worth, that is the main change year-on-year.

Toasted marshmallow on a scorched oak skewer coupled to baking spice and an earthy caramel candy summarizes the nose. The extra rye presents itself on the palate. Creamy and seasoned with clove, cinnamon and while also being fruity, like fig newton filling with apricot chunks. The finish turns to an earthy chocolate fruitcake, before fading off to light, dry, spicy wood conclusion.

The Price
A bottle of this should set you back $110. The market value is about +$50, according to my sampling of online retailers.