Michter’s 10-Year Rye
Overall Score: 8/10
Overall Value: 3/5
Distillery: Undisclosed
Classification: Straight Rye
Company: Michter’s Distillery
Release Date: November 2024
Proof: 92.8
Age: 10 Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Dark Orange
MSRP: $200 (2025)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
This Michter’s 10-year rye bottle opens with one of the most memorable noses in recent memory. Expect a rich blend of honey, vanilla, and caramel, followed by red apple, orange, and even a touch of strawberry. Sweet notes like marshmallow, nougat, and chewy sprees give it a playful edge, while subtle pine and cedar add complexity.
We also noted butter cookies and classic rye spice, creating an inviting and well-rounded nose that rewards time in the glass.
The palate leans slightly drier than the nose suggests, though there’s still plenty to enjoy. A blend of baking spices, dark red fruits (especially cherry), and hints of allspice and cinnamon bring out a warm, holiday-style flavor. Some sips offer toasted marshmallow or a faint nuttiness, but there’s also a noticeable alcohol bite. While the mouthfeel is light, it’s full of flavor—just not quite as sweet or elevated as you might expect given the nose or the 10-year age statement.
The finish is solid, with oak taking a more prominent role and lingering alongside those red fruit notes. The Rye Guy described it as long and satisfying; the Hunter found it varied sip to sip—sometimes finishing with a pleasant toasted sweetness, and other times veering toward a drier, spicier close.
This is undeniably a well-crafted rye whiskey with seasonal charm and depth. However, at a $200 MSRP, it enters tough territory. It shares a lot in common with Michter’s standard rye—available at a much lower price, especially on sale.
While this limited-aged expression might shine brightest in winter months, and the nose is arguably world-class, the overall value makes it hard to recommend as an everyday buy. Still, for collectors or die-hard Michter’s fans, this bottle remains a standout.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
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Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 8/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
It smells like red apples and baking spices.
There is just a little bit of oak that plays very nicely with the sweetness of the nose. It also has that pine or cedar smell I get with a lot of rye whiskeys.
Maybe a bit of butter cookie in there as well, just a very pleasant experience here.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is light but full. The palate reminds me of dark red fruits and the Christmas holidays.
Something about it reminded me of walking through Hobby Lobby during that time of year. Maybe that is allspice, cinnamon, and cherry?
It’s not as sweet as the nose, and actually has a bit of dryness to it.
THE FINISH:
This is mostly just more of the palate with a bit more oak, and it does have a good lengthy finish.
Towards the end of the pour the red fruit, specifically cherry was really coming through.
BUY OR PASS?
Drinking this in June seems like maybe the wrong time, but it is still a very well crafted whiskey. I think it would really be most enjoyable during the winter season though. I really enjoyed this pour.
The Hunter Says
Score: 8/10
Value: 2.5/5
THE NOSE:
Good golly, this nose is incredible. It’s bright, fruity, and sweet all at once.
I’m getting honey, vanilla, and caramel. Then come the fruit notes—orange and maybe even some strawberry.
There’s also marshmallow, nougat, and believe it or not, chewy sprees. I know that sounds a little out there, but it fits.
I could sit with this glass and nose it for hours. It’s almost on the same level as Michter’s toasted rye—and that’s saying something.
THE TASTE:
The flavor is solid, but not mind-blowing. You get the classic Michter’s rye profile, just smoothed out a bit with age.
The sweet caramel notes are there, but not as strong as the nose suggests. I was also surprised by how much alcohol bite there is—it’s not harsh, but it’s noticeable.
It doesn’t feel much more elevated than their standard rye.
THE FINISH:
This is a bit of a mixed bag. My first sip gave me sweet toasted marshmallow, which I loved. But later sips didn’t deliver that same pop.
Oak comes in, but it’s not too much. It might be a pour that rewards patience between sips.
BUY OR PASS?
This is a tough one. The nose is outstanding—truly. But at $200 MSRP, it’s hard to justify when the regular Michter’s rye is around $50 (and often cheaper on sale).
I'd honestly rather have a few bottles of that. This is a good pour, but value-wise, it’s hard to call it a must-have.
