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LOUISVILLE, Ky.April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This May, Michter’s Distillery will release its first-ever Michter’s US★1 Sour Mash Kentucky Whiskey at Barrel Strength.
Michter’s US★1 Barrel Strength Sour Mash Whiskey
“Back in the 1970s and 1980s, the most popular whiskeys from the Michter’s Pennsylvania distillery were its sour mash offerings,” stated Joseph J. Magliocco, President of Michter’s. “Today, our Michter’s US★1 Sour Mash Whiskey made in Kentucky is also a superb whiskey, and we are excited to share it at barrel proof.”
In 2019, Michter’s US★1 Sour Mash Whiskey gained international recognition as the first American whiskey ever named “Whisky of the Year” by The Whisky Exchange in London.
According to the Kentucky Distillers Association, “In 1818, Catherine Carpenter of Casey County recorded the earliest known sour mash recipe, a revolutionary technique that made whiskey production and the resulting product more consistent.” Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee commented, “Most American whiskey is made using the sour mash process. But the term is a bit of a misnomer. Our sour mash whiskey is not sour at all. In fact, it has rich notes of toffee and stone fruit.”
The suggested retail price in the United States for Michter’s US★1 Barrel Strength Sour Mash Kentucky Whiskey is $120 per 750ml bottle. The average proof for this 2026 release batch is 111.5 proof (55.75% ABV).
Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Master of Maturation, said, “Michter’s US★1 Small Batch Sour Mash Whiskey, bottled at 86 proof, is consistently praised for its elegant style and smooth, soft finish. It’s a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts, and now our fans will have the opportunity to taste this unique expression at barrel strength. To maintain the style, beauty, and elegance of this product, we are releasing it at barrel strength: the whiskey is not cut with water after batching and is processed through our signature filtration program.”
In October 2025, Michter’s became the first whiskey brand to be named “The World’s Most Admired Whiskey” for three consecutive years, as voted by an international jury convened by the UK’s Drinks International. With a rich and storied history, Michter’s has a longstanding commitment to traditional American whiskey making of the highest quality. Michter’s has earned praise for its Bourbon, Rye, Sour Mash, and American Whiskey releases, each limited in quantity and aged to its peak maturity. For more information on Michter’s, please visit michters.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X.