Honor the very roots of American whiskey with Shenk's Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey, the 2025 annual release from the Michter's Legacy Series. This exceptional small-batch whiskey is a tribute to John Shenk, who founded a distillery in 1753 that would later become the legendary Michter's. Crafted in Kentucky using the traditional Sour Mash process, this full-bodied, 91.2-proof whiskey is a beautiful and complex sip for any enthusiast. Find this piece of liquid history through our preferred online retail partner, Nestor Liquor.
The 2025 release of Shenk's Homestead is a unique expression made with a significant amount of rye in the mash bill. To accentuate this spicy character, a portion of the fully matured whiskey is finished in custom, toasted-only French oak barrels. The wood for these barrels is sourced from the famed Vosges region of France and is naturally air-dried and seasoned for 24 months before being toasted to exacting specifications. This meticulous process results in a whiskey with a bold, lingering spice beautifully balanced by notes of dried fruit and rich, toasty sweetness.
Finishing: Includes whiskey finished in toasted French oak barrels from the Vosges region.
Distillery: Michter's Distillery, Louisville, KY
Brand History: The Foundation of a Legacy
Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey honors the legacy of John Shenk, a Swiss Mennonite farmer who founded a distillery in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania, in 1753. This distillery, the first of its kind in what would become the United States, was the original Michter’s Distillery. The Shenk's release, part of the modern Michter's Legacy Series alongside Bomberger's Declaration, is a tribute to these 18th-century origins and the pioneers who laid the groundwork for the American whiskey industry.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Spice and Toasted Oak
The unique, toasted French oak finish creates a sophisticated and layered tasting experience:
Nose: A rich and inviting bouquet. Expect aromas of toasty burnt sugar and sweet toffee, beautifully interwoven with hints of dried fruit and a delicate, warming spice.
Palate: A full-bodied and complex palate. The rye character emerges with a bold, lingering spice that is perfectly balanced by the sweet, rich flavors imparted by the toasted oak barrels. Notes of dried fruit add a layer of complexity.
Finish: The finish is exceptionally long and satisfying, with lingering notes of toasty toffee, warm spice, and a sophisticated, well-seasoned oakiness.
Why The 2025 Shenk's is a Must-Have:
Unique French Oak Finish: The use of toasted-only, 24-month seasoned French oak from the Vosges region is a rare and meticulous process that imparts unparalleled elegance and spice.
A Highly Anticipated Annual Release: Shenk's is a yearly limited release that is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for its consistent quality and unique character.
A Taste of History: Owning a bottle connects you to the 18th-century origins of American whiskey and the legacy of the original Michter's distillery.
The Art of the Sour Mash: This whiskey is a perfect example of the traditional Sour Mash process, which creates a rich and consistent spirit.
This is a whiskey that rewards deep contemplation and celebrates the art of maturation at its highest level. Contact Nestor Liquor today to inquire about securing a bottle of the acclaimed Shenk's Homestead 2025 Release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What is the "Sour Mash" process?
A: The Sour Mash process is a traditional whiskey-making technique where a portion of the previously distilled and fermented mash (called "setback") is added to the next batch. This helps maintain a consistent pH level for the yeast to work optimally, ensuring a consistent and high-quality spirit from batch to batch.
Q: What is the significance of the toasted French oak finish?
A: Using French oak, especially from the Vosges region, imparts more subtle and spicier notes than typical American oak. Toasting the barrel (as opposed to charring it) brings out more of the wood's natural sugars and vanillins, resulting in a richer, sweeter, and often more elegant flavor profile.
Q: How is this different from the Bomberger's Declaration release?
A: Both are part of the Michter's Legacy Series. Shenk's is a sour mash whiskey with a high-rye component, often finished in toasted barrels, and bottled at 91.2 proof. Bomberger's is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, bottled at a higher 108 proof, and is known for its use of Chinquapin oak. They are two distinct expressions honoring different parts of the distillery's history.
Q: Is this a limited release?
A: Yes, the Shenk's Homestead is a limited, annual release. The specific blend and finishing techniques can be adjusted each year, making every vintage a unique collector's item.
Q: Where can I purchase the Shenk's Homestead 2025 Release?
A: This is a highly sought-after, allocated annual release. We recommend contacting our preferred retail partner, Nestor Liquor, to inquire about their inventory and availability.
