Michters distillery

Introduction to Michter’s

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Michter’s is an American distillery that embodies the perfect union of traditional craftsmanship and modern finesse. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Michter’s has established itself as one of the premier producers of high-quality American whiskeys, creating expressions that showcase the very best of bourbon, rye, and American whiskey tradition.

With a commitment to small-batch production techniques and uncompromising quality standards, Michter’s has garnered a reputation for exceptional spirits that reflect both heritage and innovation.

Why we have a soft spot for Michter’s

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that prioritize quality over quantity, and Michter’s exemplifies this philosophy perfectly. Their “cost be damned” approach to production sets them apart, as they willingly cut production and sacrifice yield to ensure only the finest spirits make it into each bottle.

We’re particularly drawn to their meticulous barrel selection process, innovative heat cycling techniques during maturation, and their dedication to using the highest quality ingredients available.

The history behind Michter’s

Origin and development

Michter’s traces its heritage back to 1753, when it was established as America’s first whiskey company in Pennsylvania. Originally known as Shenk’s, and later as Bomberger’s, the distillery eventually adopted the name Michter’s in the 1950s.

After the original Pennsylvania distillery closed in 1989, the Michter’s brand was revived in the 1990s by Joseph J. Magliocco and his team, who were determined to resurrect this iconic American whiskey name. They established new operations in Kentucky, the heart of American whiskey country, and have since transformed Michter’s into one of the most respected names in premium American whiskey.

The people behind

Today, Michter’s is led by a team of dedicated whiskey experts including Master Distiller Dan McKee, Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson, and President Joseph J. Magliocco. Each brings decades of experience and passion to their role, ensuring that every release maintains the exacting standards that Michter’s has become known for.

The team’s collective expertise in fermentation, distillation, and particularly in the art of maturation, has played a crucial role in defining Michter’s distinctive house style and unwavering quality.

Craftsmanship and production

From raw ingredients to finished product

Michter’s approach to whiskey making begins with select grains, often sourced from carefully chosen producers. Their mash bills are proprietary but known to deliver rich, robust flavors that serve as the foundation for their expressions.

The distillation takes place in copper pot stills with unique specifications that help create their signature profile. Unlike many producers who distill to the maximum allowable proof, Michter’s distills at a lower proof to retain more flavor compounds, a more expensive approach that prioritizes quality over efficiency.

Maturation and aging

Perhaps most famous is Michter’s approach to barrel aging. They use wood that has been air-dried for 18-48 months (much longer than industry standard), and their barrels are toasted before charring, adding complexity to the final product.

Michter’s pioneered the use of heat cycling in their warehouses, where the temperature is carefully manipulated to force the whiskey in and out of the wood, maximizing interaction and flavor development. Each barrel is only filled to about 103 proof rather than the industry standard of 125 proof, resulting in less dilution when bottling but requiring significantly more barrels—another example of their “cost be damned” philosophy.

Selected products from Michter’s

Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Bourbon – An introduction to the house style

This expression serves as an excellent entry point into the Michter’s portfolio. Rich with notes of caramel, vanilla, stone fruits, and baking spices, it offers a well-balanced flavor profile with a velvety mouthfeel that has become a hallmark of Michter’s whiskeys.

The finish is warm, pleasant, and inviting, making it approachable for newcomers while offering enough complexity to satisfy experienced enthusiasts.

Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon – An experience for connoisseurs

A true testament to Michter’s maturation expertise, this decade-old bourbon represents the pinnacle of their craft. Expect a luxurious texture with deep oak influence, rich dark chocolate, dried fruits, leather, and a sophisticated interplay of sweet and spicy notes.

Each release is carefully monitored by the Master Distiller, who personally approves each barrel only when it has reached optimal maturity, regardless of age statement. This attention to detail results in a consistently outstanding whiskey that commands respect among collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Michter’s offers visitors the opportunity to experience their whiskey-making process firsthand at their Fort Nelson Distillery in downtown Louisville, featuring historic pot stills from the original Pennsylvania distillery. The experience includes a comprehensive tour of their production facilities followed by guided tastings of their core expressions.

For a more in-depth exploration, whiskey enthusiasts can also visit their Shively Distillery by appointment, offering a deeper look into their unique production methods and philosophy.

Frequently asked questions

What is Michter’s?

Michter’s is an American whiskey distillery that produces a range of premium bourbons, ryes, and American whiskeys. They are known for their uncompromising approach to quality, small-batch production methods, and innovative maturation techniques that result in exceptionally smooth and flavorful spirits.

Where is Michter’s located?

Michter’s is based in Louisville, Kentucky, with their main production facility in the Shively area of Louisville and their visitor experience located at the historic Fort Nelson building in downtown Louisville. The company’s Kentucky location places them at the heart of America’s bourbon country, where they can draw on the region’s rich whiskey-making traditions and expertise.

What characterizes Michter’s?

Michter’s is particularly known for their meticulous attention to detail at every stage of production. Key characteristics include their lower entry proof into the barrel, heat-cycled warehouses, air-dried wood, toasted and charred barrels, and chill filtration process specifically calibrated for each expression. The result is whiskeys with exceptional richness, depth of flavor, and a distinctively smooth character.

Where can I buy whiskey from Michter’s?

You can find select bottles from Michter’s portfolio at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate our collection to include both their core expressions and limited releases, ensuring you have access to some of the finest American whiskeys available. From their approachable US*1 series to their coveted 10-Year and 20-Year expressions, we strive to offer the best that Michter’s has to offer.