Michter’s 10 Year Rye landed on my desk. Here is what I found.
Nose
The liquid is clear, dark amber. The nose opens with a rich vanilla custard note and cinnamon. Enlivening mint and orange zest scents emerge at the end. This is a delicious rye whiskey. The spice and mint flavors let you know its a rye, but it does not have the grass, leather, and pumpernickel notes that sometimes turn people off from the category. My theory is that this is from a combination of a more diverse mashbill from the Kentucky style rye and aging. The prolonged aging has allowed the whiskey to extract more vanillin from the charred, new American white oak barrels, leading to a robust and luscious vanilla note on the nose and palate. Age has also likely contributed to how easy-drinking this rye is. rnrnThe flavors are strong, but the drinking experience is engaging and comforting, rather than bracing and fiery. This whiskey isnt cheap, but for fans of Michter’s, or rye in general, I think they may find its worth the splurge.
Palate
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
The Bottom Line
Michter’s 10 Year Rye is outstanding — one of those bottles that reminds you why you fell in love with whiskey in the first place. If you see it, do not hesitate. This one earns a permanent spot on the shelf.
