Michter's Shenk Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Bourbon - 2021 release - Bourbon Brothers Australia
Michter's Shenk Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Bourbon - 2021 release - Bourbon Brothers Australia

Shenks' Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash - 2021 release

$289.00
Overview

Shenk’s Homestead Distillery Sour Mash Whiskey honors the legacy of historic American whiskey figure John Shenk, who in 1753 founded a distillery that was to become known as Michter’s in the 20th Century. It is made in Kentucky according to the traditional Sour Mash process whereby a portion of the previously distilled whiskey mash (referred to as “setback”) is added into the next batch. This full-bodied small batch whiskey is 91.2 proof.

Shenk’s is a Sour Mash Whiskey made with a substantial amount of rye. Following the success of the 2019 and 2020 releases where some Chinquapin (Quercus muehlenbergii) oak barrels were used during maturation, the 2021 release also includes use of this oak. The wood has been naturally air dried and seasoned for over three years and the Chinquapin oak has been charred at various char levels for the aging of some of the whiskey. This year’s release has resulted in a balanced whiskey with an elegant body and finish..

Product Details

Quick Facts

Attribute Detail
Brand Shenk's/Michters
Producer Michter's Distillery, Kentucky
Country / Region USA – Kentucky
Style Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (Legacy Series)
Mash Bill Rye forward sour mash recipe, exact grain bill not disclosed
Age Statement NAS
ABV 45.6% (91.2 proof)
Cask Type Chinquapin oak barrels, various char levels
Bottle Size 750ml
Release Type Limited annual release, 2021 edition
Tasting Notes

Nose: Brown sugar with baking spice and fresh citrus

Palate: Sweet caramel up front, followed by nutmeg, cloves and dried fruit

Finish: Smooth and elegant, with lingering citrus and gentle oak

What sets this bottle apart
  • Made using the traditional sour mash process with setback from the previous batch
  • Part of Michter's Legacy Series, honouring the distillery's roots back to 1753
  • 2021 release uses Chinquapin oak, following on from the 2019 and 2020 editions
  • Rye forward profile, different from Michter's usual bourbon lineup
  • Full bodied and small batch, not a straight bourbon
Distillery Information

Shenk's Homestead honours John Shenk, who founded a Pennsylvania distillery in 1753 that would eventually become Michter's. Made in Kentucky using the sour mash method, the 2021 release continues Michter's run of using Chinquapin oak barrels, air dried for over three years and charred at different levels to shape the whiskey.

Who this bottle is for
  • Michter's fans wanting to try something outside the usual bourbon range
  • Rye drinkers after a bit more sweetness alongside the spice
  • Collectors chasing a specific annual Legacy Series release
  • Whiskey drinkers who like citrus and baking spice in the mix
How to enjoy

  • Best enjoyed neat to catch the citrus and spice
  • A drop of water can bring out more of the oak
  • A good one for slow sipping rather than mixing

Why we curate it

Shenk's Homestead is Michter's doing something different, a sour mash whiskey with real history behind the name. The 2021 release and its Chinquapin oak ageing make it a bottle worth grabbing if you want to step outside the usual bourbon shelf.

I couldn't confirm specific award wins for the 2021 release, so I've left that section out.