Back Before the War

Michter's Small Batch KSBW; Michter's Distillery; Louisville, Kentucky; $45

Every few months a friend of mine and I get together for a little whiskey tasting. This friend, Mike from The Whiskey Wonder Podcast, is a genuine lover of all things whiskey, and he knows how to pick a good bottle. Then again, he also shoved some swill down my throat that still has me having nightmares. So, you win some, you lose some.

Well, Mike was over the other night and pulled out a happy, little bottle of Michter’s Small Batch KSBW. Upon first taste, I knew it was a nice, easy-drinker, but I really try to give any whiskey a second go before I make a call on it. There are few whiskies I’ve reviewed that I’ve made a decision on with just one drink. The reason is simple, or should be. Other things I might be eating or drinking may have an influence on my taste buds, so I like to get a second opinion.

Mike came over on a Friday night, and as I write this it is Monday evening. Three days should be enough for that second opinion, and indeed it is.

Michter’s claims their KSBW Small Batch is faithful to a recipe from 1753, which was a minute or two before I was born and just before America came into existence. Great! So, it’s been around for a while.

Tastes like it, too. The distillery knows how to convert corn into delicious, amber daddy juice loaded with a nice, alcohol bite and a delightfully smooth finish. There’s a fun, smokey thing going on right in mid-swallow, and some marshmallow-vanilla happening that makes me smile.

And then I coughed, because 90-proof will do that to me at 9:15 in the evening.

It's good stuff, and while it won’t be getting a spot on my Bottom Shelf anytime soon, Michter’s Small Batch is worthy enough to find a home in my bar. And, while I only have enough room on the shelves for about 50 bottles and have to be somewhat selective, this one is good enough to find a semi-permanent home — at least until it’s gone. With so many options out there to choose from, the only “safe” bottles live on The Bottom Shelf. Everything else is expendable. Also, with enough selection to keep me busy for a few days, it will likely be around for a while.

It’s good stuff, and I can recommend it to anyone looking for a reasonably priced treat come Friday night. Or Monday.

Or whenever.

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Michter's Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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