Michter's 25 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon is one of the rarest bottles in American whiskey: a single barrel bourbon aged for more than a quarter of a century and released only when Michter's judges a barrel ready. Michter's describes its 25-year whiskeys as available only as stocks permit, and releases have come years apart, which is why collectors watch for every one.
Michter's is a Kentucky whiskey producer whose limited releases have made it one of the most admired names in American whiskey. The 25 Year Bourbon has appeared only sporadically: after a long absence following its 2008 release, it returned in 2017, again in 2020 and again in 2023. Each release is chosen by the Michter's leadership team, with Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson selecting the barrels for the 2020 edition.
The bourbon is distilled from a select mash bill and matured for over 25 years in fire-charred new American white oak barrels in Michter's Kentucky warehouses. Very few bourbon barrels can carry that much time without the oak overwhelming the spirit, and the result is dense and layered. Recent releases are bottled at 116.2 proof (58.1% ABV), giving the whiskey plenty of weight on the palate.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Molasses and dried fruit with holiday spice.
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Palate: Complex with great mouthfeel; chocolate, smoke-roasted nuts, dried fruit, melted butter and vanilla.
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Finish: Long, with molasses, oak and lingering spice.
Specifications
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Producer: Michter's Distillery
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Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel
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Age: 25 years
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Proof / ABV: 116.2 proof (58.1% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Fire-charred new American white oak barrels
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Region: Kentucky, United States
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Taste it neat first, then add a few drops of water to open the chocolate and roasted-nut notes at this strength. A rich bourbon like this stands up to a full-bodied maduro cigar and pairs well with dark chocolate or pecan desserts. For the bourbon collector, few gifts carry the same weight as a 25-year Michter's.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof is Michter's 25 Year Bourbon?
Recent releases of Michter's 25 Year Bourbon are bottled at 116.2 proof, or 58.1% ABV.
How often is Michter's 25 Year Bourbon released?
Only as stocks permit; releases have come in 2008, 2017, 2020 and 2023.
What barrels is Michter's 25 Year aged in?
It is matured for over 25 years in fire-charred new American white oak barrels.
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