Michter's 10 year old Rye

[fussychicken]

This used to be pretty scarce stuff, but I've been seeing it pop up on many different store shelves lately. Anyone know who Chatham is getting their rye from?

Drew mentioned that in 2004 the rye being bottled was much older than 10 years and was coming from the same source that all the other 18-22 year old ryes were coming from at the time. But with the recent availability, and with the price still being somewhat reasonable, I'm guessing that they have a new source.

Does Heaven Hill have that much stock of 10+ year old rye now that they can now supply Chatham? Does Barton make a rye? I can't think of any other alternatives...

[Vange]

I am not sure, but it is one of the easiest drinking overaged ryes I have had to date.

[cowdery]

Has anyone tried it recently from a recent bottle, to see if it's still as good as it used to be?

[Gillman]

Yes and yes.

Gary

[cowdery]

Several years ago, I asked a Chatham representative about future supplies and he said it wasn't a concern. It's possible they simply tanked a quantity of that COK rye when it was about 14-15 years old and have enough of it to supply them for many years. It doesn't sell a lot of volume, so it's possible that's what they did, although I really don't know. I'd be hard pressed to say where they would be buying 10+ year old straight rye of that quality now, though they could have an ongoing contract with someone. (Because no one sells bulk whiskey except when they do.)

[Gillman]

To me it is similar to BMH 18 rye and has tasted quite consistent over the years.

Gary

[fussychicken]

I ended up picking up a bottle partly in hopes that it would taste similar to the Van Winkle rye. The verdict? Its pretty good, but it doesn't smell or taste like the Van Winkle to me. Of course, my bottle of Van Winkle is from the latter mixed batches anyway...

Will I buy another bottle? Ehh, probably not anytime soon. For the same price I can get a bottle of Handy or 3 Rittenhouse BIBs.

Oh wow! Just looked around on the net, and it appears that this is still pricey stuff! Most places are selling in the $80-100 range. I got it for $50. I guess my liquor store made a mistake!

[cowdery]

I've seen it (the Michter's) generally for around $60, although I haven't seen it recently.

I just bought a bottle of the Van Winkle for $45 and, at the most, they're equally good. I will have the Michter's now and then in a bar if I see it, but have never actually bought a whole bottle for that reason. The Van Winkle is equally as good and a better buy.

[Gillman]

To me Michter's 10 (which as discussed numerous times before is about 18 years old) is richly perfumed and has a taste similar to BMH 18 rye. The Van Winkle rye is very good (the current bottlings are the best ever IMO) but there you are getting a nutty, almost brandy-like flavour - both excellent, both different.

Gary