Review: Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon and Shenk’s Homestead Whiskey (2025)
I’m now convinced that Michter’s Legacy Series is really just a way for Andrea Mitchell, the distillery’s Master of Maturation, to have a little fun each year outside of the more rigid confines of the core lineup. Once again, she has tweaked ever so slightly the formulas for both Bomberger’s Declaration and Shenk’s Homestead (almost always referred to as just Bomberger’s and Shenk’s). The duo continue to be some of the brand’s more reasonably priced limited editions, even with the frequent markups, but they somehow still don’t seem to garner the same devotion as the age-stated offerings. Let’s see what those folks are missing, shall we?
Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon (2025) Review
Of the pair, Bomberger’s appears to have changed the most for 2025 with no mention of malted rye in the recipe despite its use in previous years. Maturation continues to feature Chinquapin oak, but this year has seen something of a shakeup with a range of barrels variously seasoned for 18 months, 3 years, 4 years, and 5 years. Barrels seasoned for 3 years were used exclusively going back to at least the 2020 release. On the nose, that variation in seasoning doesn’t seem to have altered things too much from previous releases, offering up dark, caramelized sugars, warm oak, and plenty of fruits; apple and peach at first — followed by a concentrated black cherry note that builds as it opens in the glass.
The palate is really where that longer seasoning shows itself, delivering pronounced oak tones up front that are dryer and a bit spicier than previous years. Dark vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, and nutmeg give way to ginger snap cookies and tobacco leaf on the mipalate. A dry, woody spice is laced throughout and builds into the finish with black pepper, cocoa nibs, and a long, subtle simmer of spiced apples and cherry pie. Not quite as well executed as the new Bomberger’s PFG, but a solid sipper nonetheless. 108 proof. A- / $120
Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2025) Review
The latest Shenk’s release appears to be mostly in line with the 2024 offering but with some important omissions. Once again, it’s a sour mash American whiskey (probably a blend of bourbon and rye) that utilizes “a good amount of rye” with a portion of the matured whiskey finished in toasted only French oak barrels that were seasoned for 24 months. Gone from the description, however, is any mention of malted rye or caramel malt that featured in the 2024 edition. The aroma is certainly distinct from last year’s release with far less baking spice and more dark brown sugar, toffee, and chewy caramel that come together in a sweeter, silkier bouquet. As it opens in the glass, chocolate brownie and fudge sauce continue the dark, dessert-y trend.
On the palate, a bit less spice than the 2024 offering yields an easier drinking, almost creamy palate of cinnamon sugar, clove syrup, toasted sugar, and butterscotch candies. The midpalate offers up apple chips and snickerdoodle cookies, alongside a hugging warmth that lingers into a generous finish of apple pie filling, sticky toffee pudding, and a little minted syrup. Of the two, I’m usually partial to Bomberger’s, but this one was just so well-balanced and easy to sip. My favorite Shenk’s release to date. 91.2 proof. A / $110
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