Review: Michter’s Single Barrel Straight Rye 10 Years Old 2022

Looking forward to Michter’s 10 year old whiskey annual releases? This year you’re getting just one: the 2022 bottling of Michter’s 10 Year Old Rye. As always, this is a single barrel release of sourced Kentucky rye albeit one not bottled at cask strength.

The good news is it’s a winning release for the producer, a classic representation of rye that lands just about right — not too spicy, not too sweet. The nose is slightly muted, with Maraska cherry, gingerbread, and a couple of grinds of black pepper in the mix. It lacks the heavy punch that a big rye can have, and that’s fine with me. I like a spice-laden nose as much as the next guy, but many ryes at this age can feel overdone and bruising with notes of clove, pepper, and, of course, oak. Michter’s 2022 Rye is soft in comparison.

Lots of fruit arrives in time for the palate, which kicks off with more of a fruit punch note, then flamed orange peel, slightly overcooked caramel, and finally a rush of spice. More oak here, giving the palate a bit of a gritty, tannic character, then a quick segue into a punchy Mexican chocolate character, studded with vanilla. The finish is where this whiskey really shines, loads of fresh chocolate, touched with eucalyptus. One of my favorites from this lineup to date.

92.8 proof. Reviewed: Barrel #22E1692.

A- / $185 / michters.com [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

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