Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye
Overall Score: 8/10
Overall Value: 3.5/5
Distillery: Undisclosed
Classification: Straight Rye
Company: Michter’s Distillery
Release Date: September 2024
Proof: 109.4
Age: NAS (Aged at least 4 years based on TTB regulations)
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Amber
MSRP: $130 (2024)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose on this limited release is a journey. It starts bold with classic rye spice—pine and heat from the proof—but quickly opens into a sweeter, more inviting profile. Think vanilla, marshmallow, and candied red fruit (like Smarties). We even noted a vanilla Tootsie Roll nose, which aligns with notes of graham cracker, cedar, and a touch of nuttiness—somewhere between almond and peanut butter. The longer it sits, the better it gets.
The palate of the Michter’s Barrel Stength Rye drinks surprisingly sweet for its proof, delivering a complex and layered experience. One side of the flavor spectrum brings peanut butter and jelly, caramel, and oak, while the other leans into a warm cinnamon roll with a hint of red hots, balanced with soft vanilla. The mouthfeel is full and rich, with a rye core that holds everything together. It’s a barrel strength pour that keeps unfolding with each sip.
The finish leans a bit softer than expected but leaves behind lingering sweetness, oak, and a final echo of cinnamon spice. That PB&J note also hangs around, giving it a nice twist. Not an aggressive finish—just pleasant and inviting.
This review lands Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye firmly in the “worth grabbing” category. The bottle combines sweetness and spice in a way that feels polished and fun. While the MSRP is steep at $130, this limited release does bring something unique to the table.
It offers more depth than some younger ryes like Willett 4-Year, but may not be one you feel compelled to hunt down again. Still, for rye lovers and Michter’s fans, this is a great bottle to have on the shelf.
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: 8.5/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
Vanilla wafer, cherry, and cedar. I also get a very subtle nuttiness in the almond category.
Overall it gives off a sweeter profile, almost like a vanilla tootsie roll.
It’s very good.
THE TASTE:
It has a very full and rich mouthfeel. Cinnamon hopped out at me almost immediately.
Its balanced nicely with a soft touch of vanilla.
It’s very similar to biting into a well made cinnamon roll with a hint of red hots.
THE FINISH:
The finish is a bit tame, but the overall theme of cinnamon remains and just makes you want to take another sip!
BUY OR PASS?
I really love this bottle. The sweet vanilla and cinnamon really worked well for me.
I’d love to compare this to the Michter’s Toasted Rye because I may actually prefer this one!
The Hunter Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
Rye spice (pine) and proof. After taking a sip and going back to the nose I get vanilla, marshmallow, and redfruit in a candy sort of way - think smarties candy.
As it opens I get graham cracker and a nice nuttyness. The longer you nose it, the better it gets.
THE TASTE:
Sits very sweet in the mouth. The rye profile is clearly there, but I also got a very pleasant amount of peanut butter.
It's not peanut, it's full on peanut butter and jelly.
I also get some caramel and oak.
THE FINISH:
That peanut butter and jelly flavor lingers, along with some nice general sweetness and a bit of oak that I enjoy.
BUY OR PASS?
This is solid for sure. It’s interesting reviewing this right after reviewing Michter’s 10-year rye as they are both very different. This is a solid barrel proof rye offering, but for $130 MSRP, I’m going to expect a lot.
It’s very good and has more depth than a Willet 4-year rye, but I can pick those up for $50 on Kansas City. This is one I love having on the shelf, but won’t rush out to hunt another one anytime soon.
