This Game Changer at Michter's is on Shelves for a Limited Time

Despite all the changes in the whiskey world over the past decade—the rye resurgence, skyrocketing bourbon prices, and the introduction of American single malt into the lineup—the toasted barrel finish has made the biggest impact. First introduced by Michter’s in 2014 as US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon, the style was an instant hit. Now, Michter’s has announced the 2024 edition of the limited-edition bottling, its first since 2021.

In order for a whiskey to be legally called bourbon, it must be aged in newly charred oak barrels. A charred barrel is exposed to a rapid blast of heat for about 25 to 60 seconds. Roasted barrels are used to finish the whiskey after the initial maturation process. A roasted barrel is exposed to heat for an extended period of time, about 10 minutes, and produces more vanilla and caramel flavors.

The roasted barrel finish has been adapted by bourbon brands around the country, including Woodford Reserve, Yellowstone, Elijah Craig and Basil Hayden, but Michter's remains the standard.

“A decade ago, after much research and experimentation, we introduced the first toasted barrel whiskey: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon,” says Michter’s president, Joseph J. Magliocco. “We never imagined it would be such a groundbreaking product.”

For Michter’s 2024 release, the brand starts with fully matured barrels of its US*1 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon and transfers the whiskey to a second torrefied barrel made from air-dried wood for 18 months for additional maturation.

“It’s a testament to our team that so many other great distillers have followed suit with roasted barrel-finished whiskeys,” says Michter’s maturation specialist Andrea Wilson. “There are many different roast profiles that heat the barrel to create beautiful flavor notes. This year’s Michter’s US*1 Roasted Barrel-Finished Bourbon reminds me of a fall evening roasting campfire flavors with graham crackers, marshmallows, caramel, and butterscotch.”

The 2024 version of Michter's Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon has an alcohol content of 91.4 proof and a suggested retail price of $110.

Related: What to Expect from Basil Hayden Toast—A New Brown Rice-Based Bourbon

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