When you want a classic American bourbon, it’s hard to look past Michter’s. As America’s first whiskey, you’re getting a taste of something special. It’s available in several variations, and the award-winning brand even has special releases of 25-year-old bourbon that will knock your socks off.
That said, even the more affordable small batches like US #1 Straight Kentucky Bourbon have a flavor profile that’s hard to beat. Ultimately, when you have a whiskey maker that makes high-class whiskey, some of that class seeps into the lesser releases as well.
This article will take you through everything you need to know about Michter’s Bourbon. We’ll take you through where it’s made, its legitimacy, and how it tastes, and even let you know if it’s worth the price. Read on to learn everything you need to know below.
A Quick Look at Michter’s Bourbon
Mitcher’s Distillery is one of the best bourbon makers in the United States, with clear tasting notes that stand out and some bottles have more than 25 years of time to age in barrels. Check out our table to get a quick look at Mitcher’s Distillery’s bourbon.
| Overall Rating | 5 Stars |
| Flavor | 5 Stars |
| Value | 5 Stars |
| Tasting Notes | Smoky, stone fruit finish, caramel, vanilla |
| Classification | Bourbon |
| Distillery | Mitcher’s |
| Proof | 91.4 (US #1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon) up to 116 (Mitcher’s 25 Years Old Bourbon 2020) |
| Aged | 5-25 years |
| MSRP | $50 (US #1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon) up to $10,000 |
Pros and Cons of Michter’s Bourbon
Mitcher’s makes a lot of bourbon, and it’s become a popular name and has been since the 18th century. Learn about some of the pros and cons of Mitcher’s Bourbon below.
| Pros | Cons |
| Around since 1753 | Expensive |
| Smooth and spicy flavor | |
| Different types of bourbon are available | |
| Great value, even for more affordable batches |
What Is Michter’s Bourbon?
Michter’s Bourbon is a type of bourbon. In fact, it was one of America’s first whiskey distilleries and was born before the United States in 1753. While it’s old, it has a lot more going for it than just old age, although several hundred years of experience isn’t bad. Mitcher’s is also an award-winning bourbon and continues to maintain its status as a top bourbon and whiskey maker in the United States.
Mitcher’s Distillery is known for making high-quality bourbon that’s been aged for five, 10, or even 25+ years. Therefore, you can shock your palate with a level of smoothness that’s hard to find in other bourbons. There are also plenty of more affordable blends that also have a delicious flavor profile that holds up well against some of the other best brands.
Mitcher’s bourbon is meant to be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. You can also make it into an old-fashioned bourbon, but we recommend against adding too much sweetness to the drink. It’s one of the better-tasting bourbon whiskeys, so you want to have most of the natural flavor come through.
Is Michter’s Real Bourbon?
Michter’s is real bourbon. In fact, it was one of the original American bourbons. Its legitimacy has been set in stone for over 200 years, and we’re approaching its 300th anniversary in three decades. If you want something that gives you an authentic bourbon taste and feel, you can’t go wrong with Michter’s bourbon.
What Does Mitcher’s Bourbon Taste Like?
Mitcher’s can have a few flavors, but we’ll focus on the Kentucky straight bourbon flavor. Mitcher’s US #1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is aged in fire-charred barrels made with white American oak wood. This gives it a distinct flavor that has a smoky aftertaste with every sip of the bourbon.
When it comes to tasting notes, you’ll be met with your typical whiskey flavors but also some surprises. For example, you’ll get hints of rich caramel along with notes of vanilla. Plus, it has a stone fruit flavor that pairs well with the smoky finish. Therefore, you’re not just getting one flavor, but many flavors with each sip.
Mitcher’s bourbon is also mixable, but only if done tastefully. We don’t recommend tossing this in a cup with Coke or Pepsi, but it’s good as an old-fashioned that doesn’t go heavy on the sweetness. If you purchase bourbon from Mitcher’s that’s been aged for 10 or 20 years, we recommend against mixing it with anything; we wouldn’t even pair it with ice because it could ruin the flavor profile.
Overall, Mitcher’s bourbon tastes great. It’s smooth and goes down easy, especially when it’s enjoyed neat.
What Is the Alcohol Content of Michter’s Bourbon
The alcohol content of Mitcher’s bourbon varies based on the type of bourbon and the batch. Right now, the US #1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the most popular small batch of Mitcher’s bourbon available and it has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 45.7%. Some other types of Mitcher’a bourbon have an ABV of 43% (Mitcher’s Small Batch Bourbon) and 42.8% (Mitcher’s US* Single Barrel Whiskey).
Mitcher’s may also release special edition batches of bourbon, which can be cask strength or stronger, so closer to 50-80% ABV. Some aged bourbons may also have a higher alcohol content depending on the batch and when it was made.
Is Mitcher’s Bourbon Good?
Is Mitcher’s Bourbon good? Absolutely. It’s one of the best bourbons on the market and continues to outperform the competition, even with the cheaper small batches of Kentucky bourbon.
What makes Mitcher’s good is its value and variety. You can get your hands on some of the cheaper batches for about $50, but if you want something more high-end, you can opt for batches of whiskey that have been aged for five, eight,10, 15, or even 20+ years. That said, you will have to shell out some more cash for these bottles, so expect to pay several hundred dollars or even a couple of thousand.
Heritage and value aside, it tastes great. It’s smooth, easy to stomach, and has a unique taste that comes from the charred white-oak barrels. We don’t think Mitcher’s bourbon misses in any aspect.
Is Michter’s the Best Bourbon?
Mitcher’s is one of the best types of bourbon that you can buy. As one of the first whiskey makers in the United States, it’s hard to beat the distillery’s level of experience. While it’s no surprise that the expensive 25-year whiskeys are delicious, even the newer bourbons that have only been aged for eight to ten years are smooth and tasty.
Whether you want a 50-dollar bottle of Kentucky bourbon or a single-barrel bourbon aged for 10 years, Mitcher’s is one of the best brands in the game.
How Is Michter’s Bourbon Packaged?
Mitcher’s bourbon comes in a glass bottle and has a big label on the front, so it’s easy to recognize on the shelf at your local liquor store. The label stated the name of the distillery, how long it had been aged, and the batch of whiskey. For example, the “US #1 Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey” will be stated exactly that on the bottle. The ABV and proof are also found on the label but in smaller letters and off to the side; it’s not the main focus.
How Should You Drink Michter’s Bourbon?
Mitcher’s bourbon can be enjoyed in any way that you like if you drink responsibly. That said, you shouldn’t treat the US #1 Straight Kentucky Bourbon like some of the more expensive batches, even if it’s delicious.
When it comes to expensive versions of Mitcher’s, focus on drinking it in a glass. Pour about two ounces into a glass if you want to sip it for a while, and sit back and enjoy the flavor. You can also add ice, but you should avoid doing so if it’s one of the more expensive batches.
Now, if you’re working with something like the Straight Kentucky Bourbon, you have some more leeway. You can pour it into a glass and add some simple sugar, an orange slice, and some ice to make an old-fashioned, or you can drink it on the rocks. It’s also smooth enough to enjoy neat.
How Much Does Michter’s Bourbon Cost?
Mitcher’s bourbon has a wide range of prices that depend on the batch. For example, US #1 Straight Kentucky Bourbon costs about $50 for a bottle, while other small batches can cost several thousand. Therefore, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact price of the bourbon.
This also applies to ordering the whiskey at a bar or restaurant, but it’s less common for them to have the more expensive options. Most bars will charge you about $15 for Mitcher’s on the rocks or about $5 for a shot for a neat.
What Types of Michter's Bourbon Are There?
Mitcher's offers several different types of whiskeys and bourbons - you can find out more about each specific variety below.
Michter’s US 1 Kentucky Straight Rye
When you want a Kentucky straight rye whiskey, you can't go wrong with Michter’s US 1 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. It gives you everything you’re looking for in a Kentucky rye, with locally sourced ingredients, a spicy flavor, but a long finish that will have you coming back for more with each sip. This is because of the American rye grain that's sheared to maximize the flavor.
Whether you're sitting around a campfire catching up with friends and family with a whiskey and coke, or need a glass of whiskey neat out at the bar, we’re big fans of Michter’s US 1 Kentucky Straight Rye. While tasty, Michter's US 1 Kentucky Straight Rye comes with a respectable alcohol content. It's 42.4% ABV, 84.8 proof, and made in single barrels.
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Michter's US★1 Sour Mash
Michter's US★1 Sour Mash is a whiskey that comes with some heritage. During the 1970s and 80s, Michter’s original sour mash spirit was the brand’s most popular whiskey product, and while it was gone for some time, it has made a powerful return and has been pleasing sour mash fans since 2012. Made in the same way the original sour mash, Michter's US★1 Sour Mash uses a unique grain selection and some previously fermented mash to be the starter.
This makes Michter's US★1 Sour Mash an authentic sour mash that brings you back to the company’s roots. While talking about it is great, you'll have to try it to experience the quality and taste of a good sour mash whiskey. It's bottled at 86 proof, 43% ABV, and includes warm tasting notes including burnt sugar, spice, sweet smoky fruit, and candied cherry. You'll also find hints of vanilla in the nose, taste, and finish.
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Michter's US★1 American Whiskey
It doesn't get much more American than Michter's US★1 American Whiskey. Not only is it a delicious American whiskey, but it's also aged in whiskey-soaked barrels before it's bottled. This gives the whiskey a unique flavor profile that's more potent than your average whiskey. The whiskey was pioneered by our Master Distiller Willie Pratt. So, while it was gone for three years, it's back and better than ever.
When it comes to flavor, Michter's US★1 American Whiskey is potent and tasty. It has deep flavor notes including butterscotch, notes of vanilla, and even hints of dried caramel ripe fruits. As for the alcohol content, Michter’s doesn't hold back. Michter's US★1 American Whiskey is bottled at 83.4 proof, or 41.7% ABV.
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Michter's US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
It's hard to be a Kentucky-based distillery and not sell a straight bourbon. This is where Michter's US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon comes out to play. It's made from a carefully-selected mash that includes high-quality American corn. In fact, the ingredients used are so high in quality that it's only available in small batches, so you have to get it while it lasts. There's only enough whiskey to be blended and aged in 20 barrels, so there's no risk of losing out on flavor due to quantity.
Plus, you won't want to miss these flavors. Michter's US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon has all the spice of a good bourbon, but with hints of caramel, vanilla, stone fruits, and a long oak finish. It's bottled at 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV), making it one of Michter's most potent whiskey options. Michter's US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is also available with Ford Nelson select labeling if you’re looking for more of a collector’s edition bottle.
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Where Can You Buy Michter’s Bourbon?
Mitcher’s bourbon is available across the United States and at some liquor distributors around the world. Since it was one of the first whiskeys to even hit the shelves, you’ll find it in most liquor stores. That said, the batches are small, so limited quantities are available, and you may have to wait. You can also find Mitcher’s at larger distributors like Wine Guys and some other liquor franchises across the country.
Don’t want to leave the house? Order Mitcher’s online. Several retailers carry it, and some will even deliver it right to your door. You can also order it in some bars and restaurants if you find yourself in one of those settings.
Is Michter’s Bourbon a Good Gift?
We like Mitcher’s bourbon as a gift choice. It’s a great gift for people who love a good bourbon, and you have a wide range of prices to choose from, so it can be a little side gift or a larger main gift.
On the other hand, Mitcher’s bourbon isn’t the best option for people who prefer clear liquor or dislike whiskey. If you want them to give it a try anyway, opt for the less expensive US #1 Straight Kentucky Bourbon.
Dive Right Into Michter’s Bourbon and Taste an Elite Bourbon Today
When you want an American bourbon, make sure you give Mitcher’s a chance. It’s the only whiskey that’s older than the United States itself, and you can find it in several variations. If that wasn’t enough, Mitcher’s bourbon has won several awards and continues to be the #1 ranked bourbon in several categories. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into one of America’s finest types of bourbon today.
