Michter’s 25 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey- 2020 Release

A quarter century in new charred American oak. Single barrel. Released only when Michter's Master Distiller and Master of Maturation determine exceptional barrels are genuinely ready. The most ambitious expression in Michter's lineup.

Michter's 25 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the most age-forward expression the distillery produces — and among the most age-forward American bourbons ever commercially released. At 25 years in new charred oak in Kentucky's extreme climate, the bourbon has experienced conditions that produce concentration, complexity, and integration that simply cannot exist in younger spirit. The challenge at this age is avoiding over-oaking — Michter's meets it through individual barrel selection: only barrels where the spirit has absorbed everything the oak has to offer without tipping into astringency are approved for bottling.

The 2020 release was approved by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson — one of the industry's most rigorous review processes for any aged American whiskey. The result is widely considered one of the finest American bourbons ever produced at this age statement.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Extraordinarily deep mahogany — the color of aged Cognac or very old rum, reflecting a full quarter century of barrel contact.
• Aroma: Rich caramel, vanilla, and oak with a concentrated depth of dried fruit and warm spice that only 25 years can produce.
• Palate: A harmonious blend of toffee, dark chocolate, dried fruit, and perfectly integrated oak tannins — remarkably balanced given the age. The grain sweetness has been completely transformed by the wood.
• Finish: Long, smooth, and deeply satisfying — lingering spice and oak fading into a warm, clean close that speaks to the extended maturation.

Specs

• Producer: Michter's Distillery, Louisville, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel
• Age: 25 years
• Master Distiller: Dan McKee
• Master of Maturation: Andrea Wilson
• Size: 750ml
• Release: 2020

Explore all bourbon at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does Michter's 25 Year compare to the 20 Year? The 20 Year is already one of the rarest aged American bourbons produced. The 25 Year adds five additional years — producing a bourbon of even greater concentration, darker fruit character, and deeper oak integration. The challenge is that very few barrels survive 25 years without becoming over-oaked; Michter's individual barrel approval process is what makes the 25 Year viable.
• How often is Michter's 25 Year released? Very rarely — some years produce no release at all. The gap between releases can span multiple years. The 2020 represents one of the few approved cohorts in recent production history.
• Is 25-year-old bourbon unusual? Extremely. Extended American oak maturation in Kentucky's climate is aggressive — most bourbons peak well before 25 years. The few expressions that reach this age in excellent condition are among the most collectible and expensive American whiskeys produced.
• Is the Michter's 25 Year a good investment? Ultra-aged American bourbon from a critically acclaimed producer with genuinely limited and irregular releases tends to appreciate consistently. The 2020 is a documented, vintage-dated single barrel that cannot be restocked.