Michter’s launched its first barrel power product, Barrel Energy Rye, in 2015 and adopted it up not lengthy after with a barrel power providing of their core US-1 Bourbon. Whereas each Barrel Energy expressions have reappeared through the years (the rye extra regularly than the bourbon), Michter’s Toasted sequence has been the extra constant, non age-stated restricted launch for almost a decade now. Followers of the distillery could possibly be forgiven for believing they’d seen all the brand new Barrel Energy expressions they had been probably going to see. However this spring, it occurred.
In April, Michter’s introduced the discharge of Barrel Energy Bitter Mash Whiskey, the primary new addition to the restricted launch Barrel Energy lineup since 2017. Bitter Mash is famously created from an unspecified mashbill of corn, rye, and malt however with out the required 51% corn to make it a bourbon. Because the identify plainly suggests, this launch showcases that distinctive whiskey uncut at barrel power. As a result of Michter’s ages on the unusually low barrel entry proof of 103 (in comparison with the allowed most 125), the ensuing cask power isn’t the scorcher that related whiskeys ship with a median batch proof of simply 111.5. I’ve typically really useful the usual Bitter Mash for a simple sipper or light-weight cocktail base, however I’ve all the time thought it had extra to provide at the next alcohol power. Was I proper?
Michter’s US-1 Barrel Energy Bitter Mash Whiskey 2026 Evaluation
The nostril is without doubt one of the extra expressive from a Michter’s providing. Which is saying one thing. With just a bit time to bloom, it delivers candy, well-spiced notes of freshly grated cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove with a slight candied ginger undertone that provides much more raise and power. Baked apple and cooked cherry notes mix with all that baking spice to ship loads of pie-inspired aromas, nevertheless it stays balanced, by no means going all in on dessert. Because it opens extra, toasted oak and a delicate rye spice add a heat depth whereas notes of star anise and sandalwood give issues an unique edge.
On the palate, the fruit kicks issues off with pear tart heavy on the cinnamon and clove. That pear notice sticks round and builds, turning into extra candied and contemporary on the midpalate earlier than transitioning to barrel-driven notes of cocoa powder, darkish vanilla bean, and cinnamon pink hots that simmer with a beneficiant, hugging heat. These notes cling to the palate with a formidable texture that’s mouthcoating with out being too oily. The end is piquant, arriving with a crescendo of darkish spice and peppercorn that erodes into a mix of drying oak, honey candies, and apple chips. As I anticipated, there was much more potential locked away within the traditional Bitter Mash providing. The rye has persistently been my go-to barrel power Michter’s, considered one of my favourite Michter’s releases interval, however this new Barrel Energy Bitter Mash is a brand new favourite.
111.2 proof.
A / $120
Michter’s US-1 Barrel Energy Bitter Mash Whiskey 2026
USD120
