My Favorite Whiskey – Michter’s Sour Mash
By: Richard S. Green
What is my favorite Whiskey? One can’t go wrong with United States (US) in the name of the product, right? And an Original to boot… So, what’s the deal with Michter’s? Note: One of my favorite “Whiskey Tube” channels (i.e., You Tube whiskey review channels), Drew P. Whiskey always asks, what’s the deal with _________? … So, what is the deal? Well, this one isn’t technically a bourbon (or a rye). I’m finally breaking the barrier, and I’m officially asking, what is my favorite Whiskey? this week instead of asking and only talking about bourbons.
According to Michter’s, upon its being named “Whisky of the Year” for 2019 by The Whisky Exchange, Michter’s US1 Sour Mash Whiskey became the first whiskey made in the United States to ever achieve this honor. During the 1970s and 1980s, Michter’s Original Sour Mash Whiskey was the distillery’s single most popular product.
While the “Sour Mash” moniker originated from the whiskey production process of the same name – whereby some previously fermented mash is used as the starter for the new mash to be fermented, much like making sourdough bread – Michter’s Original Sour Mash earned distinction for its unique taste. With its unique grain selection, it cannot be categorized as a rye or a bourbon. After disappearing from the market in 1989, Michter’s Original Sour Mash Whiskey made a triumphant return in 2012 with its introduction into the US1 line. Staying true to the profile and palate of its predecessor, Michter’s US1 Sour Mash has quickly become a favorite of whiskey enthusiasts.
Michter’s Sour Mash Whiskey is a whiskey and not a bourbon because according to the company, “the mash bill has a fair amount of rye grain in addition to a fair amount of corn and some barley malt.” This likely means the whiskey has less than 51% corn in its mash bill, the minimum required for it to be called bourbon or 51% rye to be labeled a Rye Whiskey. Michter’s Sour Mash Whiskey is also filtered.
Again, according to Michter’s the “TASTING NOTES are: Warm toasted burnt sugar notes with spice, sweet, smoky fruit, candied cherries, and honeyed vanilla. Starts out like a bourbon, finishes like a rye.” I first had this Whiskey on a trip to San Diego, where the liquor store was in the same building as the hotel.
I know what you are thinking, but this place was not a fleabag hotel by any stretch of the imagination, it was a nice place, the InterContinental San Diego, which right on the harbor near where the cruise ships come and go (cruise ship terminal), near Coronado Island, near Little Italy, near the Gaslamp Quarter, as well as next to the Naval Base San Diego where you can tour the USS Midway. It’s an upscale hotel that is 2 miles from the museums and zoo in Balboa Park, and 3 miles from San Diego International Airport.
I guess I over stated that this, but to paint the picture, it is a Nice place with near perfect weather. And right downstairs was a near perfect scenario for me. Tasting this beauty for the first time was just about a perfect vacation topper after some great Chicken parmesan and pasta from Little Italy.
It is a widely held fact that the “sour mash” process produces a sweeter and more complex whiskey than the known “sweet mash” process. I’m told that a lot of distilleries actually use the sour mash approach, and therefore, it helps explain the plethora of sweet bourbon available today.
Michter’s US-1 Original Sour Mash Whiskey is sweet tasting, although not extremely complex. The sweetness is evident from the nose and immediately combines with the smoothness on the palate. It brings a variety of sweet flavors in one bottle without a long finish, that just made me happy and a served as cap to my trip.
The “sour mash” moniker is a rarity, it is the sweetness that makes it great and my favorite whiskey of the week.
Classification: Whiskey
Company: Michter’s Distillery
Production: Small batch. Limited quantities.
State of Distillation: Kentucky
Proof: 86 proof (43% Alcohol by Volume)
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Copper
Barrel Cooperage: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
MSRP: $47 (2022)
THE NOSE
Sweet caramel, typical vanilla notes, fresh cut apple. A touch of nutmeg and a light cinnamon note comes in also adding to the great, pleasurable scents of this whiskey, a close bourbon cousin.
THE PALATE
The sip is very satisfying thanks to a bombardment of sweet flavors from vanilla, caramel, butterscotch toffee, and scones. It’s not a high proofer at all, but has just enough umph or vitality to bring out the right level of viscosity (a satisfying silky-smooth mouth feel) and flavor. Then it brings a cherry, blackberry/raspberry, and Cinnabon on the end.
THE FINISH
As an estimated high rye mash bill, this whiskey brings a sensation of rye spice, then a ramp up of heat to let you know it is not quite a lightweight. Michter’s Sour Mash still lingering of sweetness towards the end with a slight dryness that makes you want to go back for more.
