Michter's – Shenk's Homestead Sour Mash 2023 Release (75cl, 45.6%)

Shenk's Homestead Sour Mash is a 2023 release from Michter's, named in honour of John Shenk, who founded the distillery that later became Michter's in 1753. It is bottled at 45.6% ABV in a 75cl bottle. The mash bill is mostly corn, with rye, malted barley and wheat. It was distilled in small batches in pot stills and made by the sour mash method. Maturation was mainly in custom-made French oak barrels with a particular toast and char, alongside some American oak casks. The nose combines caramelised sugar, dried cherries, vanilla bean and cinnamon. The palate brings maple syrup, dark fruits, toasted nuts and dark chocolate, and the long finish carries brown sugar, dried fruit and warming spice.