Review: Michter’s Single Barrel Straight Rye 10 Years Old 2025

We tasted the latest 10-year-old, single barrel bourbon from Michter’s back in the spring, and the companion rye bottling wasn’t too far behind. Once again, Michter’s highlighted in their accompanying press release the “extra-aged” possibilities of this whiskey despite the age-statement on the label, noting that they harvest single barrels “according to the flavor profile of specific barrels rather than automatically upon their reaching a certain age.” Keep that in mind when mulling the $25 price increase over last year’s MSRP, or, more likely, the steep additional markup you will have to stomach to add this one to the collection.

Michter’s Single Barrel Straight Rye 10 Years Old 2025 Review

The nose is bright and effusive with fresh, earthy spices and fistfuls of just-picked mint. Last year’s release was similarly bright and minty, but here those higher tones get a bit higher as it opens with wintergreen, minted syrup, and a touch of green tea. Laced throughout are the characteristic wood spices found in Michter’s well-aged lineup with plenty of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon offering a warm and soothing dimension to the otherwise energetic, herbal bouquet.

Shades of last year’s release are also evident on the palate, but just like the aroma, there’s a touch more energy and herb garden in the mix that makes this one of the more vibrant Michter’s ryes I’ve tasted to date. Early notes of peppermint candies and julep cocktails are crisp and airy. The midpalate offers subtle undertones of darker barrel char, treacle, spice cabinet, and chocolate – all staples of Michter’s unique cask management – but the rye hogs the limelight, offering up bolder notes of rosemary and sage, minted jelly and mint chocolate chip ice cream before a long, cooling finish of butter mints, whole cloves, and a little cigar box.

As always with a single barrel product, your mileage may vary. But tasting this one over the years it feels like Michter’s perhaps is moving away from the sweeter, oakier, more bourbon-esque rye style, which I personally have quite enjoyed. That’s not to say this latest release isn’t a top-notch whiskey that will find plenty of fans, especially among rye purists.

92.8 proof.

A- / $225 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

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