By Richard Thomas
Score: B+
Michter’s Barrel Power Rye from 2016
(Credit score: Kurt Maitland)
Michter’s Barrel Power Rye is a fan favourite; certainly, it’s one thing my Deputy Editor, Kurt Maitland, continues to talk glowingly of, usually citing it as an ideal instance of how increased proof is healthier. For some time, it appeared like this expression was going to change into a periodic launch, just like the model’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon. We noticed one in 2018, however then the expression skipped 2019 and 2020. It got here out final 12 months, although, and now right here it’s once more for 2022. This return to normalcy takes the sting off Michter’s announcement that they’d not launch their 10 Yr Previous Bourbon this 12 months.
We haven’t reviewed this expression since 2017, so now’s pretty much as good a time as any to return to it. The bottling is claimed to be roughly 5 to 7 years previous (albeit with out formal age assertion), and the labeling for 2022 signifies it’s nonetheless a minimum of partially sourced. When Michter’s will change over absolutely to in-house manufacturing stays to be seen. The mash invoice can be shrouded in thriller, though it’s identified to be a excessive corn, Kentucky model rye. Michter’s favors a low barrel entry proof of 103, which is why their cask power whiskeys come out comparatively low in alcohol (and infrequently drinkable straight from the bottle). It’s additionally a single barrel expression, so proof varies from barrel to barrel. Versus a proof of 120 or increased, my pattern is available in at a comparatively modest 109.2, however I’ve examine others clocking 111.
The Whiskey
The nostril follows within the candy Kentucky model, oozing vanilla and fruity notes of pineapple and orange zest. Lurking within the background is a be aware that sits astride earthy cocoa and barrel char; it’s faint sufficient that I can’t determine which. A sip flips the present, with the spices–the spiciness expressed itself solely in a Bigelow Fixed Remark type of manner within the scent–making their look on the palate. The pepper present is a comfortable one, nevertheless, well-balanced by tea tannin and brown sugar. The end runs spice, beginning as cinnamon earlier than fading to dry wooden.
The Worth
Formally, this bottle ought to fetch $100. The market worth, nevertheless, is presently hovering between $170 and $225 a bottle. It’s laborious to justify double the worth on the retail stage, besides on the premise of the 2019-2020 drought creating an anticipatory demand. Hopefully, costs will fall now that the expression is again in annual launch.
