Introduction
In today’s episode, we are checking out Michter's US-1 Single Barrel Rye Whiskey. This single barrel rye from Michter's label is a fascinating bottle to explore. Michter's is a well-respected name in the world of whiskey, known for their higher-end offerings like the Toasted Barrel Finish and the Michter's 10-Year.
Even their regular stuff tends to carry a bit of that premium allure, making it a sought-after brand. The bottle we're reviewing today is 84.8 proof (42.4% ABV) and, while it's not age-stated, we know this rye is at least four years old. Michter's, a resurrected brand from the 1990s, sources its rye for this particular offering, and it's not a 100% rye mash bill. Let's dive into the specifics.
The following review is taken from our episode "The Hurt Locker / Michter's US-1 Straight Rye" Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Bob: The first thing that jumped out of the glass for me was a note I've never gotten in a rye before – really ripe cantaloupe. It's like when you cut into a cantaloupe that's a little too squishy and you need to eat it quickly. It also had a creamy vanilla note, which is unusual for a rye. Then the freshly ground black pepper hit, which was really nice. It’s intriguing, and I’ll give it a 7.5/10.
Brad: For me, it started off with a small pop of orange zest, then moved into butterscotch. The rye spice hit midway through, along with some freshly ground black pepper. At the end, I got a fresh loaf of sourdough bread. This nose is incredible, Bob. It’s a 9/10 for me.
Taste
Brad: This is like heaven for me. The caramel here isn't just generic caramel; it's like the little square-wrapped caramel you get at your grandma's house. There’s fresh mint, rye bread, and a nutty candied almond flavor. The low proof makes it easy to drink, but it still packs a lot of flavor. I gave it a 9.5/10.
Bob: I’m definitely not there. It’s really thin on the front of the palate for me, almost watery, but then it bursts with heat at the back, spreading across the palate like a higher-proof whiskey. The flavors remind me more of barley or even a wheat whiskey than a rye. I’m giving it a 7/10.
Finish
Brad: The finish tapers off a bit, likely due to the lower proof, but it still has rich mint, strong oak, and lingering rye spice, particularly black pepper. I’ll give it an 8/10.
Bob: I agree with the flavor notes you mentioned, Brad, but I actually think the finish is the highlight of this whiskey. Lots of black pepper and oak. I’m giving it a 7.5/10.
Balance
Brad: I’m going to give this a 10/10 for balance. It’s just complex enough to showcase everything going on here. The flavors marry well together, and it delivers an incredible experience at 84.8 proof.
Bob: I think it’s pretty well-balanced, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark for me like it does for you. I’ll give it a 7/10.
Value
Brad: In Ohio, you can buy Michter's US-1 Single Barrel Rye Whiskey for $44.99. For me, this is a 9.5/10 in value. This feels like a very high-quality single barrel at a reasonable price.
Bob: I’m struggling to find the value here, Brad. The lower proof is a bit of a letdown for me, and while I can see its appeal, I don’t think it offers enough to justify the price. I’ll give it a 6.5/10.
Final Scores
Brad: My final score is 46/50. This is one of my highest-rated whiskies on the podcast, and it’s an incredible product from Michter's.
Bob: I’m at 35.5/50. This is a full 10.5 points below Brad, bringing our average to an 81.5 out of 100, or 40.75/50.
Conclusion
At Film & Whiskey, we typically recommend trying a pour at a bar or buying a bottle if it scores above 35/50. A score of 40/50 is considered great, and 45/50 is excellent. Given our combined score of 40.75/50, Michter's US-1 Single Barrel Rye Whiskey is definitely worth trying. While it might not be Bob’s favorite, it’s clear that this rye whiskey hits all the right notes for Brad and offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a seasoned rye drinker or just starting to explore the category, Michter's US-1 Single Barrel Rye Whiskey is a solid choice.
