Michter’s is known for its toasted barrel finished bourbon, in which second aging occurs inside a barrel made from 18-month air dried wood that’s toasted but not charred. The distillery is now taking that approach and applying it to a new rye whiskey offering known as US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye. US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye, according to those behind it, takes the Michter’s US*1 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye at barrel strength and puts it through a finishing process inside a second custom-made barrel. This barrel is assembled from 24-month air dried wood and then toasted but not charred, being “specifically designed to enhance the spice character in the rye while adding hints of dark toast and smoke.”

Enhanced spice notes with delicate chocolate overtones balanced by some vanilla and honey, hints of roasted nuts and dates, with a lingering finish of burnt brown sugar reminiscent of crème brûlée complemented by some smokey campfire highlights.