Michter’s releases 2016 US*1 Barrel Strength Rye

Kentucky-based Michter’s Distillery is set to launch a second edition of its US*1 Barrel Strength Rye.

The distillery, based in Louisville, is bottling the Kentucky Straight Rye at barrel strength, rather than the brand’s usual abv of 42.% in its US*1 Single Barrel Rye.

The barrel entry abv for the product was 51.5%, specifically chosen to yield a “richer, smoother” expression than a higher alcohol level would.
After ageing so far the abv for the majority of barrels of this second release have fallen between 55.1% abv and 57.4% abv.
“To enter the distillate for our US*1 Rye and our US*1 Bourbon into the barrel at 51.5% abv instead of a higher, more industry standard abv is very expensive, but our goal at Michter’s is to produce the greatest whiskey possible, regardless of the cost,” said Michter’s president, Joseph J. Magliocco.
Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye is available in the US at an RRP of US$75 per 750ml bottle.

The first edition of Barrel Strength Rye was launched in May 2015.