Michter’s expands its lineup with the inaugural high-proof release of its most historic whiskey profile.
Michter’s Distillery officially announced the debut of US-1 Barrel Strength Sour Mash Kentucky Whiskey. This marks the first time in the distillery’s modern history that their sour mash recipe has been made available at barrel strength, offering enthusiasts a high-proof look at one of the brand's most historic profiles.
"When Michter's was being produced in the 1970's and the 1980's, the then-Pennsylvania distillery's most popular whiskey was its Sour Mash," said Michter's President Joseph J. Magliocco in a company press release. "The Michter's US-1 Sour Mash that we make in Kentucky these days is a wonderful whiskey, and we're excited to have this opportunity to share it at barrel strength."
Michter's Sour Mash Legacy
"Our Sour Mash Whiskey is anything but sour," said Master Distiller Dan McKee in a company press release about the new release, noting how the moniker often misleads the palate. Rather than a flavor profile or a specific legal category, the term sour mash describes a specialized fermentation technique regularly used in the production of bourbon, rye, and Tennessee whiskey. The process involves taking a portion of spent mash—the acidic, nutrient-rich "backset" or "stillage" left over from a previous distillation—and adding it to a fresh batch of grain and water. This act of recycling the mash acts as a catalyst that regulates acidity and ensures consistency, with "sour" referring to the technical chemistry of the fermentation starter rather than the taste of the finished spirit.
Original Michter's pot to pot still system in use at Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery. Louisville, Kentucky.
The Michter’s sour mash history stretches back to the brand’s 18th-century roots and the 1753 foundation of Shenk’s Distillery. Founded by brothers John and Michael Shenk, this operation served as the direct antecedent to the modern Michter’s Distillery—a history now memorialized through the Shenk's Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey, part of the brand's limited-release Legacy Series.
Tasting Notes and Proof
Unlike the standard 86-proof US-1 Sour Mash, this limited-edition release is bottled uncut. The 2026 batches arrive with an average of 111.5 proof (55.75% ABV). Despite the higher alcohol content, the distillery maintains that the flavor profile remains balanced and sweet. According to Dan McKee, the final distillate “is rich with delicious notes of toffee and stonefruit."
Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson added that the barrel strength version aims to preserve the elegance of the original small batch while providing a more robust experience. "In the spirit of keeping with the consistency and beauty and elegance of this product, we decided to offer this whiskey in a barrel strength form wherein the batch is created, but is left uncut and then undergoes our signature filtration protocol," Wilson explained.
Market Availability and Pricing
The release follows a period of significant acclaim for the Louisville-based distiller. In October 2025, Michter's was named The World's Most Admired Whiskey for the third consecutive year by Drinks International. The US-1 Sour Mash was notably the first American whiskey to be named Whisky of the Year by The Whisky Exchange in 2019. This new barrel strength iteration will be available in limited quantities nationwide starting in May 2026, with a suggested retail price of $120 per 750ml bottle.
Photographs courtesy of Michter's Distillery.
