Michters 20 Help

[Balchinian]

Let me start off by saying two things:

FIRST: Not sure if General Bourbon Discussion is the proper thread for this inquiry, so please move if necessary.

SECOND: I understand the controversy surrounding the Michters brand, the ridiculous pricing, their questionable marketing techniques, and the unknown provenance factor… etc, etc...

With that being said, let me provide a little back story. My little brother graduated from Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago a few years ago. He is getting ready to finish his orthopedic fellowship at Ohio State. Needless to say, this has been a tremendous journey and I am very proud of him. We both enjoy bourbon, and since moving to Columbus he and his wife have been enjoying it together more frequently. Michters 20 is his unicorn bourbon. We’ve discussed several favorable reviews and more than once he has mentioned his desire to get his hands on one. I know he would NEVER justify spending $500 on an NDP bottle of unknown provenance, but at the same time, I know he would be thrilled to get one as a gift. Although it may not be MY first choice, I have budgeted the money and committed to the gift.

So… I am looking for a little help. I have located three bottles of Michters 20 at three separate stores here in San Diego and all are similarly priced. Is there a particular bottle code or barrel number format I should look for when selecting one over the other. I haven’t been able to find anything about different releases for the 20 year; similar to the Michters 10 year barrel number format identifying first, second, and third release (Letter, Dash, Number vs Four Number Code vs Number, Letter, 3 Digit Number). I have only physically held one of the 3 bottles I found and I think it was bottle 152 out of 234. Not sure on the other 2 bottles. I will end up purchasing one of the 3, but figured I’d ask the community first. Any insight would be appreciated.

Edited March 3, 2014 by Balchinian
Font Color

[WAINWRIGHT]

You need to switch the color of the text so this is legible.

[sailor22]

While I was under the impression they were going to be bottled as single barrels I haven't seen anything on the bottle that would differentiate those barrels. Congratulations on what should be a special celebration.