Review: Michter’s Single Barrel Straight Bourbon 10 Years Old 2026
The return of Michter’s ultra luxe Celebration Sour Mash, only the fifth release to date, somewhat overshadowed the announcement that the fan favorite 10-year-old single barrel was also on its way, destined for the top shelves at your local watering hole and the fancy display cabinets of those liquor stores lucky enough to get an allocation. While Michter’s didn’t share the size of this year’s 10-year-old release (it never does), I’m going to bet your odds of finding one are exponentially better than the Celebration which reportedly numbered just 315 bottles. Never mind the fact that, even with typical markups, this perennial Michter’s favorite won’t set you back anywhere near that bottle’s upper four figure price tag.
Last year, Chris discovered a somewhat softer side to this 10-year-old single barrel bourbon which has traditionally been reliably bold especially given its consistently comfortable proof. Does the 2026 return to more classic form or continue that new, easier going profile? Let’s find out.
Michter’s Single Barrel Straight Bourbon 10 Years Old 2026 Review
Last year’s Michter’s 10 Year Old Single Barrel was a bit of a ringer, luring you in with a softer nose and slightly silkier palate while still delivering the full-flavored experience the marque is known for. For 2026, things are trending back more toward that classic bold and chocolatey profile while still showcasing some of that gentler demeanor we saw last year (mostly on the palate this time around).
On the nose, there’s more oak and dark spice than last year, blooming with exotic sandalwood and that familiar Tootsie Roll quality that I get on a lot of Michter’s older bourbons and toasted expressions. The more concentrated barrel notes give lift to the baking spice, filling the glass with more nutmeg and freshly grated cinnamon. As it opens, a drizzle of milk chocolate, blackberry jam, and a dusting of baking cocoa arrive.
On the palate, things are initially just as soft and approachable as last year, perhaps even more so, with stewed dark berries and chocolate mint leading the way. The midpalate is a bit more energetic though, delivering warmer, gently spiced notes of cardamom, clove, and dark caramelized sugar. A late flourish of gingery spice adds even more zeal to the sip before fading into a generous, lingering conclusion of cinnamon stick, cola, and chocolate covered cherries. These slight nuances from vintage to vintage and barrel to barrel are to be expected in a single barrel product, but Michter’s famously low barrel entry proof (just 103) has so far delivered a reliable approachability, making it an ideal sipper especially for the coming summer months.
94.4 proof.
A- / $195 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
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