#USA #Louisville #Michter's #Shenk's #Bomberger's

Michter's Distillery Set to Unveil 2026 Whiskey Releases

This coming April, Michter's Distillery will debut two highly anticipated whiskeys from its Legacy Series: the 2026 edition of both Shenk's Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey and Bomberger's Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Based in Louisville, Michter's has a storied history that dates back to 1753 when Swiss Mennonite farmer John Shenk established the original distillery in Pennsylvania, which underwent several name changes throughout its long history before becoming Michter's Distillery.

Joseph J. Magliocco, president of Michter's, expressed excitement about these limited releases, stating, "Our production team looks forward to the special releases of Shenk's and Bomberger's each year. They highlight the creativity of our distillers. While there are similarities from year to year, each release varies slightly due to ongoing experiments at the distillery."

Unique Characteristics and Flavor Profiles

Michter's Master Distiller Dan McKee shared insights into what makes the 2026 edition of Shenk's special, highlighting a slightly higher rye content than previous versions. He also noted the inclusion of caramel-malted barley, which contributes a delightful caramel bread pudding note that balances out the spiciness of the whiskey. The unique aging process for Shenk's includes the use of 24-month air-dried French oak from the Vosges region and 60-month air-dried American oak, imbuing the release with its distinctive character.

Andrea Wilson, Michter's Master of Maturation, elaborated on the collaborative efforts within the team to explore variables that enhance the drinking experience. "It is a wonderful opportunity to work with Dan and the team on Shenk's and Bomberger's. It’s not just about trying something new; it’s about examining how aroma, depth, flavor, complexity, and finish can be influenced through modifications to our processes."

For the 2026 Bomberger's Declaration, the whiskey will again showcase the notable attributes of Chinquapin oak combined with a touch of Hungarian oak. This results in an intriguing, rich, chocolatey decadence overlaying the cherry and spice notes characteristic of the Chinquapin oak. Both oak types used in this edition were air-dried naturally for three years, undergoing special roasting and charring processes to craft the ultimate tasting experience.

Alcohol Content and Pricing

The Shenk's Homestead whiskey will feature an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 45.6% (91.2 proof) and is expected to retail for $110. Meanwhile, the Bomberger's Declaration is set at a stronger ABV of 54% (108 proof), with a retail price of $120.

Michter's has garnered significant recognition, having been named "The World’s Most Admired Whiskey" for three consecutive years by an international academy of voters organized by Drinks International, a UK-based organization. With a proud legacy tied to uncompromising quality, the distillery continues to offer an impressive portfolio that includes Bourbon, Rye, Sour Mash Whiskey, and American Whiskey, with each product carefully aged to its peak maturity.

For further details about Michter's Distillery and to stay updated on their offerings, visit michters.com and follow their social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and X.