Michter's Toasted Bourbon Barrel Finish

Overview
Michter's Toasted Bourbon Barrel Finish is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that undergoes a distinctive double-barrel finishing process in toasted barrels, creating a limited-release expression celebrated for its innovative approach to flavor enhancement. Originally introduced in 2015, production resumed in 2018 due to strong fan demand, with subsequent annual releases maintaining its status as a collector's item.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
This expression draws from Michter’s tradition of limited-edition releases, including Toasted Barrel Rye and barrel-strength variants, with roots in historic throwback brands like Bomberger’s and Shenk’s. The toasted barrel process amplifies sweetness through careful heat treatment rather than charring, responding to acclaim for the original 2015 batch.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Captivating sweet and fragrant aromas dominate, evoking high expectations with layers of inviting depth.
• Palate: Sweet notes emerge initially, but a thin mouthfeel persists despite the double-barreling, limiting body and integration.
• Finish: Quick and dry, with emerging bitterness that cuts the experience short.

Notable details

• Production: Double-barreled with toasted (non-charred) finishing for enhanced sweetness; non-chill filtered.
• Lineage: Part of Michter’s premium limited series, produced at their Louisville facility.
• Comparison: Often benchmarked against the superior 2015 original, which set a higher standard for balance.
• Availability: Highly allocated, with releases like 2022 drawing from specific barrels amid ongoing demand.

"The nose stands out as the strongest aspect with sweet and fragrant aromas... The 2018 release fails to recapture the 2015 magic due to thin mouthfeel and a dry finish." – The Bourbon Culture

Closing
A bold experiment in toasted finishing that shines on the nose but reveals inconsistencies on the palate, best for collectors seeking Michter’s innovation.

Sources

[1] Thebourbonculture – "Michter's Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon Whiskey Review"

[2] Breakingbourbon – "Michter's Toasted Finish Bourbon Review | Breaking Bourbon"

[3] Columbusbourbon – "Michter's Announces 2021 Release of US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon"

[4] Thewhiskeywash – "Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes & Analysis"

[5] Adventuresinwhiskey – "Review: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon (2018)"

[6] Drinkhacker – "Review: Michter’s US-1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon 2018"

[7] Drinkhacker – "Review: Michter’s US-1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon 2015"

[8] Drinkhacker – "Review: Michter’s US-1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon 2024"

[9] Drinkhacker – "Michter’s US-1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon 2021 Review"

[10] Vinepair – "2014: Bourbon Gets the Toasted Barrel Treatment - Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon"