{"product_id":"shenks-homestead-small-batch-kentucky-sour-mash-whiskey-700ml-2025-release","title":"Shenk's Homestead Small Batch Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey 700ml (2025 Release)","description":"\u003cp\u003eRich, rye-forward and distinctively complex, Shenk's Homestead Small Batch Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey 2025 is a limited annual release from Michter's Legacy Series that pays tribute to one of the earliest names in American whiskey history. The expression honours John Shenk, the Swiss Mennonite farmer who founded a Pennsylvania distillery in 1753 that would eventually become associated with the Michter's name. Produced in Kentucky, the whiskey is made using the traditional sour mash process, whereby a portion of previously distilled mash, known as setback, is incorporated into the subsequent batch. The precise mash bill remains undisclosed, although Michter's confirms that the 2025 expression is made with a significant amount of rye, giving the whiskey a pronounced spicy character. A portion of the fully matured whiskey was transferred to toasted French oak barrels that were deliberately left uncharred, adding another layer of flavour without overwhelming the spirit with heavy char.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe French oak used for this finishing component was sourced from the Vosges region of France and naturally air-dried and seasoned for 24 months before being toasted according to Michter's specifications. This carefully considered maturation contributes to the release's combination of lingering spice, dried fruit, burnt sugar and toffee characteristics. Bottled at 91.2 proof, or 45.6% ABV, the whiskey retains a generous texture while remaining approachable and balanced. The aromatic profile moves through toasted sugar, baking spice and honey, followed on the palate by dried fruits, toffee, nougat and further caramelised sweetness. Its finish is smooth yet persistent, allowing the rye-derived spice to linger after the sweeter flavours recede. As part of Michter's Legacy Series, the 2025 Shenk's is released in limited quantities and is not classified as either bourbon or rye whiskey, instead carrying the distinctive Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey designation. The Australian-market bottling is presented in a 700ml format, making this a collectible release that combines American whiskey tradition with thoughtful experimentation in grain and oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOSE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e– Toasty and aromatic\u003cbr\u003eBurnt sugar, warming spice and honey with underlying caramelised and toasted oak nuances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePALATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e– Rich, sweet and spice-driven\u003cbr\u003eBaking spice, dried fruits, toffee, nougat and burnt sugar supported by a rounded texture and rye-forward character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFINISH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e– Smooth and lingering\u003cbr\u003ePersistent baking spice with gently fading notes of toasted sweetness, dried fruit and oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews \u0026amp; Accolades\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e“The finish oscillates among fig, cherry, caramel, and oak, conveying each while never quite settling into one. Cinnamon and a small element of pink peppercorn lend some continued spice for a finish that, in addition to being mid-length and well-balanced, is the most rye-forward component of the sip. I found myself wishing for just a few more seconds of flavor after some sips, but that’s a borderline-unfair ask for a sub-92 proof whiskey as approachable as this.”\u003c\/em\u003e — David Thomas Tao, VinePair, 93 Points\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiner Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaker – Michter's Distillery\u003cbr\u003eCountry – United States\u003cbr\u003eRegion – Kentucky\u003cbr\u003eVintage – 2025\u003cbr\u003eTier – Legacy Series\u003cbr\u003eSize – 700ml\u003cbr\u003eABV – 45.6%\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shenk's Homestead","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44187493236823,"sku":"SHSBKSMW-25","price":279.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0043\/9258\/3217\/files\/Shenks-homestead-2025release.webp?v=1787540096","url":"https:\/\/kentstreetcellars.com.au\/products\/shenks-homestead-small-batch-kentucky-sour-mash-whiskey-700ml-2025-release","provider":"Kent Street Cellars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}