Michter's

Michter's Bourbon & Rye – America's First Whiskey Distillery

Michter's traces its roots to 1753 — making it America's oldest whiskey brand — though the modern Michter's is a Louisville-based operation that has been reviving that legacy since the 1990s under President Joseph Magliocco and Master Distiller Pamela Heilmann. The brand's philosophy is straightforward and expensive to execute: use the best barrels available, age to peak flavor rather than a fixed age statement, and never compromise quality for volume. The result is one of the most consistently awarded whiskey portfolios in the United States. Wooden Cork ships the full Michter's lineup nationwide, including allocated limited releases.

The Michter's Lineup

Michter's US★1 Small Batch Bourbon — The flagship. No age statement, selected at peak flavor, bottled at 91.4 proof. Caramel, vanilla, oak, and dried fruit — one of the most approachable ultra-premium bourbons available. The benchmark for the brand's no-compromise philosophy.

Michter's US★1 Single Barrel Straight Rye — Single barrel rye at 84.8 proof. Restrained and elegant — spice, dried fruit, and subtle florals. One of the most refined rye expressions in the market.

Michter's US★1 Sour Mash — Neither straight bourbon nor straight rye — a uniquely styled American whiskey using the sour mash process. Smooth, approachable, and distinctive.

Michter's US★1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon — The Small Batch Bourbon finished in a second toasted (not charred) barrel. The toasting adds vanilla, coconut, and butterscotch complexity. A standout in the finishing category and one of Michter's most popular expressions.

Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon — Aged 10 years, single barrel, 94.4 proof. Substantially more complex than the US★1 — rich dark fruit, leather, baking spice, and deep oak. A benchmark for 10-year American whiskey.

Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Rye — The 10-year rye: one of the most acclaimed aged ryes in production. Complex, layered, and exceptional. Limited quantities.

Michter's 20 & 25 Year — Ultra-rare annual or biennial releases at extraordinary age statements. These represent the absolute top of Michter's program and sell through within days of release. Wooden Cork acquires allocations when available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Michter's US★1 have an age statement?

Michter's philosophy is to select barrels at peak flavor rather than at a fixed age. Some barrels reach peak at 8 years, others at 11. An age statement would force them to release whiskey before it's ready or hold it too long. The no-age-statement approach is a genuine quality commitment, not a cost-cutting measure — US★1 barrels are tasted and evaluated individually before bottling.

Is Michter's worth the price?

The US★1 expressions are consistently rated among the best in their price tier. The 10 Year Bourbon and Rye represent exceptional value for the age and quality. The 20 and 25 Year expressions are in limited-production collector territory. Across the lineup, Michter's earns its price through genuine quality rather than marketing.

Do you offer gift wrapping for Michter's?

Yes — gift wrapping, gift boxes, and personalized engraving are available on select bottles at checkout.