Experience a piece of American whiskey history with the Michter's Original Sour Mash Whiskey 1988, distilled and bottled in Pennsylvania. This 101-proof pot-still marvel offers an unparalleled journey into a bygone era of rich flavors and meticulous craftsmanship. A collector's dream, it embodies the legacy of the original Michter's Distillery.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A profound aromatic journey begins with rich, aged oak and dark caramel, immediately hinting at its vintage. Subtlety unfolds into notes of dried apricots, stewed plums, and a whisper of antique leather. There's an underlying spice, reminiscent of old-world apothecaries – star anise and dried ginger – complemented by a deep, earthy vanilla bean and a faint, sweet pipe tobacco smokiness, a testament to its pot still distillation. A slight minerality indicative of its Pennsylvania terroir also emerges.

Palate: The entry is remarkably smooth for its proof, coating the palate with a velvety texture. A wave of toasted brown sugar, deep molasses, and burnt toffee sweeps across, quickly followed by a complex interplay of baking spices: cinnamon stick, clove, and a touch of nutmeg. The fruit notes from the nose translate into candied orange peel, dried figs, and a subtle cherry cordial. There's a distinct nutty character—pecans and walnuts—alongside an elegant wood influence that never overpowers, but rather provides a sturdy backbone. The pot still character delivers a nuanced earthiness and a surprising roundness.

Finish: Long, warm, and exceptionally satisfying. The oak presence lingers beautifully, evolving from a woody dryness into a sweet, lingering caramel and dark chocolate. A gentle, peppery spice persists, interwoven with the fading notes of dried fruit and a pleasant, old-fashioned menthol coolness. The finish is remarkably clean, leaving a memory of sophisticated sweetness and a hint of the Pennsylvania landscape it hails from.

About the Distillery

Michter's, with roots dating back to 1753 in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania, lays claim to America's first whiskey distillery. The original Michter's operations (including this 1988 bottling) in Pennsylvania produced legendary sour mash whiskey before ceasing operations in 1990. The current Michter's Distillery in Kentucky honors this rich heritage, striving to uphold the legacy of quality and traditional distilling methods that made the original Pennsylvania-distilled Michter's so revered.