Shenk's Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey

Overview

Shenk's Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey is a limited annual release from Michter's Distillery, reviving a historic name through a blend of bourbon and rye distillates finished in toasted French oak barrels. It captures the essence of traditional Kentucky sour mash while incorporating innovative maturation techniques from the distillery's Shively facility.

Specs at a glance

Good to know

This expression marks the first use of distillate from Michter's Shively distillery (filled since 2015), blended and finished to evoke pre-Prohibition styles. A portion undergoes maturation in toasted French oak barrels air-dried for 24 months, contributing distinctive depth. Expert reviews note its evolution across releases, with the 2022 version balancing innovation against some youthful inconsistencies.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Prominent French oak-driven chocolate and viscous thickness, layered with subtle rye spice.
• Palate: Bold chocolate and oak influence from the French barrels, tempered by rye's herbal edge; occasional youthful grain notes emerge, adding contrast but some rawness.
• Finish: Medium-length with lingering oak sweetness and mild spice, fading into a slightly astringent youthfulness.

Notable details

• Production: Blended from Michter's bourbon and rye stocks; portion finished in 24-month air-dried toasted French oak; 91.2 proof; bottled at the distillery.
• Lineage: Michter's revival of the historic Shenk's name, tied to Bomberger's & Shenk's heritage amid trademark disputes.
• Comparison: Often positioned alongside Bomberger's Declaration, though reviewers suggest prioritizing the latter on secondary markets.
• Availability: Limited annual releases at MSRP $90-100; secondary prices higher due to demand.

"The 2022 Shenk's offers compelling French Oak-driven chocolate and thickness but is undermined by occasional youthful distillate notes, making it less essential than previous releases." – Bourbon Culture

Closing

A thoughtful nod to whiskey history, best for collectors seeking Michter's experimental sour mash profile.

Sources

[1] Thebourbonculture – "Shenk's Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2022) Review - Bourbon Culture"

[2] Thewhiskeywash – "Shenk's Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2020) Review: Tasting Notes & Verdict"

[3] Capitalcitybourbon – "Tasting Notes: Shenk's Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey - The Capital City Bourbon Blog"

[4] Thewhiskeywash – "Shenk's 2025 Release Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey Review"

[5] Thebourbonculture – "Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey (2023) Review"

[6] Whiskeyreviewer – "Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey Review (2021)"

[7] Whiskeyreviewer – "Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey Review (2025)"

[8] Thebourbonculture – "Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2018) Review"

[9] Bourbonpaddy – "Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey Review (2020 Release)"

[10] Bourbonpaddy – "Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey Review (2022 Release)"