Michter's US 1 Small Batch Bourbon

Michter's US 1 Small Batch Bourbon shines when sipped neat or with a splash of water to open up its complex flavors, though it also makes an excellent base for spirit-forward cocktails. This versatile bourbon is a year-round pleasure, pairing beautifully with rich, savory dishes like grilled meats or aged cheeses, while its warming qualities make it especially comforting on cool autumn evenings.

Nose: Rich caramel and vanilla dominate, followed by hints of toasted oak and light spices. Subtle notes of dried fruits, particularly raisins and apricots, emerge with gentle swirling. A faint whisper of corn sweetness lingers in the background.

Palate: Smooth and well-balanced with a medium body. Flavors of butterscotch and honey coat the tongue, complemented by warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices. Toasted nuts and a touch of dark chocolate add depth. The corn sweetness from the nose translates to a pleasant breadiness on the palate.

Finish: Medium to long, with a pleasant warmth. Lingering notes of oak and vanilla fade slowly, accompanied by a subtle peppery spice. A touch of leather and tobacco emerges at the tail end, leaving a satisfying dryness that invites another sip.

Michter's US 1 Small Batch Bourbon is crafted using a unique "heat cycling" technique during fermentation, which helps develop richer flavors in the whiskey. The distillery also employs a distinctive filtration method using chill filtration at a higher temperature than most producers, allowing more flavor compounds to remain in the final product while still removing unwanted particles.

• Michter's US 1 Small Batch Bourbon uses a unique "heat cycling" process during aging, where the warehouse temperature is deliberately raised to force the whiskey in and out of the barrel wood. This extra step, rarely used by other distilleries, creates more interaction between the spirit and the oak, resulting in a richer flavor profile.
• Despite its popularity today, Michter's nearly vanished forever in the 1990s. The brand was rescued from obscurity by two whiskey lovers who discovered an abandoned distillery and painstakingly revived the historic recipes and techniques.
• Michter's takes an unusual approach to barrel selection, often "toasting" their barrels before charring. This extra step caramelizes wood sugars and creates a distinctive layer of flavor compounds that contribute to the bourbon's unique taste - a technique more commonly associated with winemaking than whiskey production.