Proof: 94.4

Age:  10 Years (typically always older than 10)

Distillery: Michter’s (contract distilled elsewhere)

Mashbill: N/A

Price: $174.99

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Nose: Black Pepper, Butterscotch, Cardamom, Cedar, Coffee, Hazelnut, Honey, Leather, Nutmeg, Toasted Oak, Raisin, Vanilla, Allspice, Black Cherry

Taste: Buttery/Silky mouthfeel. Brown Butter, Butterscotch, Caramel, Honey, Molasses, Vanilla Shortbread, Leather, Licorice, Nutty, Ginger, Nutmeg, Rich Baking Spice, and Toasted Oak

Finish: Medium Length. Dried Fruit, Rich vanilla cream, ginger spice, and soft tannins of oak greet the palate; black cherry, brown butter, licorice, and a slight nuttiness hit midway, before finishing on more sweet toasted oak, vanilla, shortbread, and a delicious molasses note.

The finish fades rather quickly, but the nuances are very balanced and offer a nice variety of flavors while not being too in your face.

Overall: This is something I look forward to every year and usually don’t get to try. The last few years, I’ve been lucky enough to at least sample this pour. This is a single barrel expression, so notes and experience may vary.

Michter’s skipped this expression last year due to it not meeting their quality standards and after another year of aging, they felt it was just right.

Lots of sweet undertones in this pour; molasses, shortbread, vanilla cream, and honey – which should woo any bourbon fan! The counterbalance of ginger spice, light licorice, oak tannins, and leather really make this go hand in hand.

With a new retail of $174.99, this took a hit on the score. Without factoring in price, on flavor alone, big fan! The team at Michter’s know their stuff and would not release anything subpar, however, $175 is a tough pill to swallow for a 10yr old age stated bottle (even though we all know it’s older than 10), most people still wouldn’t have to think twice before snagging one.

Rating: 7.9/10

Value Rating: 5/10

Total Score: 6.45/10