Bourbon Reviews, Distillery News and Information
Michter’s US*1 Rye Review
Michter's US*1 Rye is a Kentucky Rye, meaning that it uses close to the minimum allowable percentage of rye in its mash bill. However, it packs quite a bit of flavor for its relatively low proof. Want to learn more? Read our full review!
Michter’s US*1
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Single Barrel
84.8 Proof
Age: NAS, but said to be 5-7 Years
MRSP: ~$45 retail
Review
Please enjoy our Michter’s US*1 Rye Review!
Buy Michter’s US*1 Rye on Frootbat!
Michter’s US*1 Rye packs quite a bit of flavor for its relatively low proof!
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A Kentucky Rye
Michter’s US*1 Rye has an undisclosed mash bill, but it is said to be a “Kentucky Rye”, and therefore the percentage of rye will likely not be much higher than the required 51%. Otherwise, we don’t know many of the specifics, other than that Michter’s uses a low barrel entry proof of 103 for their whiskeys, toasted & charred barrels which are seasoned much longer than the industry standard, and custom filtering to help bring out the rye’s best flavors.
Tasting Notes
Let’s taste it:
🛌 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn
👉Nose: Pear, sweet cherry, light rye spices, subtle burnt caramel, brown sugar, light cedar and pine; after a sip or two there’s a hint of dried apricot; moderately sweet; mild alcohol
👉Taste: Brown sugar, caramel, soft remnants of fruit; mild black pepper and pine
👉Finish: Black pepper grows into the finish where it become fairly spicy; some dry oak appears towards the end. Fairly long finish with lingering warmth
Michter’s US*1 Is Surprisingly Flavorful
Michter’s US*1 Rye is surprisingly full of flavors. There is fruit, caramel and brown sugar that would not be necessarily expected, and there is the possibility that one might mistake this for a high rye bourbon. The nose is almost like a pear and cherry cobbler. The rye makes itself known more so in the finish, where the black pepper spice grows, although there are more subtle rye flavors in the nose. Due to the lower alcohol, I am left with a nice lasting warmth on the finish, rather than a “burn”.
Where Does That Flavor Come From?
So, where does all this flavor come from at the relatively low 84.8 proof? Maybe it is from the low barrel entry proof that Michter’s uses? Or the custom filtration? I have had this rye many times before, alone and in cocktails, and would never have guess the proof had I not known it. Generally, I would not make a cocktail with a less than 100 proof spirit, but somehow Michter’s Rye can hold its own at less than 85 proof!
Summary – Michter’s US*1 Rye Review
I really enjoy this rye. I think people who might normally shy away from the strong citrusy, piny, spiciness of rye will like this rye too. It’s also perfect for bourbon drinkers since it could easily be confused with a bourbon. Have you tried Micther’s Rye? Are you a fan? Let me know. Cheers!🥃
Note: Michter’s Rye is a single barrel whiskey, so your results may vary.
Buy Michter’s US*1 Rye on Frootbat!
We hope you have enjoyed our Michter’s US*1 Rye Review! Would you like to read about another whiskey made by Michter’s? Check out our Bomberger’s Declaration Review and our Michter’s US*1 Bourbon Review! To learn more about the distillery, check out our Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery Tour!
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About the author: Ed Escott is truly "Bourbon Obsessed". He is the founder of Bourbon Obsessed, LLC, and an Executive Bourbon Steward of the Stave and Thief Society. In addition, he has authored and edited over 600 bourbon and other whiskey reviews, over 50 in-depth distillery write-ups, and many other related articles. He is on the board of the Kentucky Bourbon Influencers and a member of the Lexington Bourbon Society and the Bourbon Capital Guild. Last, but not least, Ed has attended many bourbon-related educational sessions, visited countless distilleries, and is on a never-ending quest to try every bourbon.
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