This bottle of Michter’s Whiskey comes from the actual distillery in Pennsylvania that was closed in 1989 and has no real relation to the Michter’s that is currently in the market as it’s all sourced whiskey. Considered one of the oldest distilleries in the USA the Michter’s name and their products have a lot of history, and a lot of legend, surrounding it.
Looking through accounts of the distillery I discovered a couple of interesting. Like how a Beam was involved in the distilling there for a while and the name Michter’s Whiskey comes from the combination of Michael and Peter which were the sons of Louis Forman who owned it in 1951 when the Michter’s brand launched.
I also discovered that the Bomberg name is being used by the Stoll & Wolfe Distillery and is currently bottling sourced whiskey while their own stuff is aging; their master distiller is Dick Stioll who was the master distiller at Bomberg/Michter’s in the 70s and was responsible for the Michter’s and A.H. Hirsch brands.
There’s a lot more to unpack about this historic distillery, but for now, let’s get on with the Michter’s Whiskey review ‘eh?
Michter’s Whiskey Info
Region: Pennsylvania, USA
Distiller: Michter’s
Mashbill: At least 51% Corn, Rye and Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: NAS
ABV: 40%
Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller
Michter’s Whiskey Review
EYE
Dark copper
NOSE
Stale spice, roasted grain, caramel syrup, vanilla and a touch of oak and an herbal kick.
PALATE
Stale spice, roasted grain, caramel syrup, vanilla and a touch of oak and an herbal kick stale brown sugar
FINISH
Short fade of spice, grain and caramel syrup.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Not fully balanced, medium body and soft watery feel.
OVERALL
To be frank, I didn’t care much for the Michter’s Whiskey and I don’t yet get the hype over the original stuff. Being a dusty bottle it’s completely possible the seal had weakened and it had oxidized a bit or a myriad of other possibilities, but the liquid that was in this bottle – the only OG Michter’s I’ve had yet – just didn’t do it for me.
I forgot to write down the year from the bottom of the Michter’s Pennsylvania Whiskey bottle, but I know it was towards the end of the life of the distillery which was closed in ’89. Meaning the whiskey could have come from lower quality stocks distilled towards the end when Michter’s was having financial troubles.
Whatever the reason, I’m insanely happy I got to try this original Pennsylvania Michter’s Whiskey, it’s a great little piece of history and really interesting to see what it might have been like back in the day.
SCORE: 80-82/100 (B-, not consumed at home)
