Michters American Whiskey

Michter's American Whiskey is a Kentucky-made bourbon bottled at 41.7% ABV, a little under the 45% or higher that many premium bourbons carry. The lower strength fits the style. Bourbons at this proof usually drink smoothly and softly, with the spirit's weight coming from the grain and oak, not from alcohol heat. The distributor describes it as full-bodied, and it highlights the use of previously used barrels. Whiskeys matured that way usually give up less raw oak tannin and drying spice than ones aged in fresh charred barrels. Expect that to show as a rounder, gentler wood influence. Because bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn, expect a sweet core of caramel, vanilla and toasted corn, with baking spice and light char behind it. The details here don't give a specific mash bill or age, so treat those notes as what the category typically delivers. They are not a measured profile of this bottle. There's no smoke to look for, since smoke belongs to peated Scotch, not to bourbon. For sipping, pour it neat first and give it a minute to open. At 41.7% the whiskey doesn't need much dilution, but a few drops of room-temperature water can loosen the aromas and soften the finish if the oak seems tight. Ice is a good option for a warm evening: one large cube melts slowly and keeps the sweetness from getting watery. A Glencairn glass is the better choice for nosing, because its tapered rim concentrates the vanilla and grain aromas. For ice or a longer pour, use a rocks glass. The moderate proof and sweetness make it a sound base for stirred drinks. In an Old Fashioned, a sugar cube, two dashes of Angostura bitters and an orange peel let the caramel and corn come through without being buried. A Manhattan with sweet vermouth and a cherry is a good match because the whiskey's softness won't fight the vermouth. In a Whiskey Sour, use fresh lemon juice and a small measure of simple syrup, and shake with ice. For a highball, pour over ice and top with cold ginger ale or soda water, finishing with a lemon twist.