Michter's US*1 Small Batch Bourbon is one of those bottles that keeps showing up on back bars for good reason. At 45.7% ABV, it sits at a proof point that gives you enough weight to stand up in cocktails but enough finesse to sip neat without flinching — and that balance is harder to achieve than most people realise. This is a NAS bourbon, which means Michter's aren't hanging their hat on an age statement. Instead, they're banking on blending and barrel selection, and honestly, when it's done well, that approach can outperform a lot of age-stated competition.
What I appreciate about this bourbon is the intention behind it. Michter's are known for their relatively low barrel entry proof — they fill at 103 proof rather than the industry maximum of 125. That matters more than most drinkers think. Lower entry proof means the spirit interacts with the wood differently during maturation: you tend to get a rounder, more integrated character rather than something that leans too hard on oak extraction. It's a production choice that costs more — you need more barrels to produce the same volume — but it shows in the glass.
At £61.95, this sits in competitive territory. You're paying a premium over your everyday bourbons, but you're getting something that genuinely drinks above its price point. The 45.7% ABV (just over 91 proof) is a smart bottling strength — enough backbone to carry flavour without the kind of heat that puts off newer whiskey drinkers. It's a bourbon that works whether you're already deep into American whiskey or just starting to explore beyond the usual suspects.
Tasting Notes
I won't fabricate specific notes here — tasting is personal and I'd rather you came to this bottle with fresh expectations. What I will say is that the small batch approach, combined with that lower entry proof philosophy, tends to produce bourbons with a softer, more approachable profile than you might expect from something bottled north of 90 proof. Expect the classic bourbon signatures — think along the lines of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice — but delivered with a smoothness that belies the strength. There's a reason bartenders reach for this one.
The Verdict
Michter's US*1 Small Batch earns a solid 7.9 out of 10 from me. It's a dependable, well-made bourbon that does exactly what it sets out to do: deliver quality without pretension. It doesn't need a flashy age statement or a limited-edition label to justify its place on your shelf. The craftsmanship is in the details — the entry proof, the barrel selection, the blending — and those details add up to a bourbon that consistently over-delivers. It's not going to rewrite your understanding of American whiskey, but it will remind you why you fell for bourbon in the first place. At this price, it's a confident buy.
Best Served
This is a natural Old Fashioned bourbon. A sugar cube, a couple of dashes of Angostura, a wide orange peel expressed over the top — that's it. The 45.7% ABV holds its own against dilution from the ice, and the rounded, approachable character of this bourbon means you don't need to mask anything. You're just framing what's already there. If you prefer it neat, give it five minutes in the glass before you start sipping. A little air opens it up nicely. Either way, Michter's US*1 is the kind of bottle that earns its spot on the bar by being genuinely useful — and genuinely good.
