Louisville-based Michter’s Distillery is set to begin shipping its 2024 bottling of the US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon in September. The distillery first introduced the toasted barrel finish category in 2014 with the release of this bourbon, marking a decade since the category’s inception.
Michter’s US1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon begins as the distillery’s fully matured US1 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which is then transferred into a second barrel for additional aging. This second barrel is made from 18-month air-dried wood and is toasted to specific standards but not charred. This process aims to enhance the flavor profile of the whiskey, creating a distinctive taste.
Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Master of Maturation, oversees the aging and finishing of the bourbon. She noted that the popularity of toasted barrel finish whiskeys has grown, with many other distillers following Michter’s lead. According to Wilson, the 2024 release evokes flavors reminiscent of fall treats like graham crackers, marshmallows, caramel, and butterscotch.
The 2024 Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon is bottled at 91.4 proof and has a suggested retail price of $110 for a 750ml bottle. Michter’s Master Distiller, Dan McKee, emphasized the significance of this release on the tenth anniversary of the creation of the toasted barrel finish category, noting that the tasting panel was in agreement about the exceptional quality of this year’s bottling.