Honouring the legacy of John Shenk, the man behind the 18th-century distillery that would eventually become Michter’s, this 2025 edition of Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey stands out for its use of toasted-only French oak barrels sourced from the Vosges region of France, naturally air-dried and seasoned for 24 months before being toasted to Michter’s exacting standards. The result is a rich, full-bodied whiskey brimming with bold spice and depth, balanced by layers of sweetness and elegant oak influence. It’s produced in Kentucky using the classic sour mash process, it’s made with a healthy dose of rye and bottled at 91.2 proof (45.6% ABV).

Tasting Notes

Colour: Dark amber.

Nose: Toasted sugar, warm rye spice, and honeyed vanilla with a touch of dried fruit and polished oak.

Palate: Full-bodied and toasty with notes of baking spice, nougat, dried fruit, and toffee, underpinned by rye warmth and burnt sugar richness.

Finish: Smooth and gently lingering with sweet spice and toasted oak that carry on beautifully.