![\"Michter's](\"http:\/\/cocktailhacker.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/US1-lineup3-500x225.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhen I first started experimenting with cocktails with Cocktail Hacker Emeritus, Aaron, I knew very little about spirits at all. \u00c2\u00a0I had a scant few bottles that I would consider favorites and a slightly larger few that were my house choices for cocktails. \u00c2\u00a0I distinctly remember one of the times I was hanging out with Aaron we make a special trip\u00c2\u00a0to Denver in search of Michter’s American Whiskey. \u00c2\u00a0Aaron had a more developed taste for whiskey at the time and had been trying different bottles. \u00c2\u00a0He’d settled on Michter’s as his favorite (for the time at least) and he was woefully out. \u00c2\u00a0I went along happily (any trip to a liquor store is a good one) and ended up with a bottle on my shelf as well. \u00c2\u00a0This story, albeit rambling and a little pointless, came rushing back to my head when sample bottles of Michter’s came through my door. \u00c2\u00a0And, I can now say with conviction and considerable experience that Aaron was on to something those years ago. \u00c2\u00a0This stuff is damn good.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Michter’s US*1 Bourbon (45.7% ABV)<\/strong> – The striking amber\/brown color catches your eye and draws you in. \u00c2\u00a0Despite the higher than average proof, the aroma bears little to no raw alcohol smell. \u00c2\u00a0Instead, it speaks of caramel, vanilla and the smoothness of the whiskey. \u00c2\u00a0The flavor, as you might expect, follows suit. \u00c2\u00a0The flavor is rich and full with hints of caramel, vanilla and butterscotch. \u00c2\u00a0Fruit and slight notes of oak and smoke play throughout as well. \u00c2\u00a0The finish is long and mellow with a distinct sweetness.<\/p>\n Michter’s US*1 American Whiskey (41.7% ABV)<\/strong> – The amber color speaks simply to the nature of this whiskey; powerful and complex. \u00c2\u00a0The aroma of the American Whiskey is more forward than the Bourbon with more fruity qualities and the caramel and vanilla you’d expect. \u00c2\u00a0The flavor too is more fruity (dried\/candied fruits) but interestingly less sweet (likely from the second fill on the barrels). \u00c2\u00a0This spirit seems more purely whiskey to me. \u00c2\u00a0You can taste the grain notes and there is a sub-channel of rye spiciness and holiday spices running throughout. \u00c2\u00a0The medium length finish is lightly dry with the vanilla and holiday spices floating along through the end. \u00c2\u00a0Only as the flavor fades did I pick up the gentle oaky notes of the barrel.<\/p>\n Michter’s US*1 Straight Rye (42.4% ABV)<\/strong> – Honey brown in color with fruit and spice throughout the aroma. \u00c2\u00a0There is an interesting tangy note to the nose which hints at the complex flavor to come. \u00c2\u00a0There are, of course, the spiciness and holiday spice qualities that you want in a great rye plus deep fruit flavors that remind me of sherry finished scotch. \u00c2\u00a0There are also the expected vanilla and caramel, but with more depth and complexity. \u00c2\u00a0The flavor is truly full and rich extending into a long, complex and smooth finish.<\/p>\n Through all three of these whiskies, you can taste the lower proof that the whiskey enters the barrel (103 proof). \u00c2\u00a0It gives the finished product more depth and sweetness since less water is added to bring the spirits down to their bottle proof. \u00c2\u00a0Now, granted, I’m a giant rye nerd, but I really enjoyed Michter’s Straight Rye. \u00c2\u00a0For me it has a complexity and depth that a lot of ryes on the market right now don’t bring to the table. \u00c2\u00a0That said, all three of these whiskies are great. \u00c2\u00a0It was almost a little hard to review them. \u00c2\u00a0I wanted to keep the secret to myself and protect the bottles I might be able to find. :)<\/p>\n