Latest news with #Michter's
Forbes
29-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Best Bourbons Under $50, According To Bartenders
Pouring whiskey in glass on bar counter. getty If you've ever stood in the whiskey aisle staring down a wall of bottles and wondering if that $28 bourbon will make you feel refined or just regretful, you're not alone. Fortunately, good bourbon doesn't have to cost as much as a steak dinner. Some bottles under $50 are not just passable—they're genuinely fantastic, whether you're sipping neat, mixing a Manhattan, or just trying to impress someone without showing them your receipt. I asked bartenders, beverage directors, and bourbon buffs across the country to share their go-to bottles that over deliver under the $50 mark. The results? A collection of bourbons that taste like you know a guy in Kentucky. Here's what to pour. Michter's US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Michter's Smooth operator with butterscotch charm Michter's is one of those brands that takes its time — and it shows. The US1 expression is small-batch and aged in fire-charred, new American oak barrels, offering a level of polish rarely seen at this price point. Kristen Love of InterContinental New York Barclay sums it up best: 'Michter's US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon stands out in its price range for its exceptional smoothness and depth… rich notes of butterscotch, stone fruit, and subtle spice, all wrapped in a silky finish.' It's the kind of bourbon you reach for when you want to impress someone without looking like you tried too hard. Mix it in an Old Fashioned or sip it neat — either way, you'll look like a seasoned pro. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Wild Turkey The cask strength classic that pulls no punches This one's not for the faint of heart, but that's the fun of it. Rare Breed is a barrel-proof bourbon — meaning it's not diluted before bottling — with a blend of 6-, 8-, and 12-year-old whiskeys, giving it an unusual level of complexity. 'It shares some of the solid characteristics of older cask strength bourbons without quite as high a price tag,' says Owen Thompson of The Square DC. Tasting notes? Think deep caramel, toasted pecan, dark cherry, and a pop of cinnamon spice that lingers long after your last sip. It clocks in at around 116.8 proof, but it's surprisingly balanced for its strength. Use it in a Manhattan if you dare — or just enjoy it while contemplating your life choices. Bardstown Origin Series Wheated Bourbon Bardstown For bourbon nerds who like full disclosure and full flavor This wheated bourbon is a relatively new entrant, but it's already earning a place on shelves and in hearts. Sitting at 96 proof and aged for 6 years, the Bardstown Origin Series Wheated is the kind of bottle that feels like a find. Corey Hollinger from Serliana in Indianapolis calls it: 'Rich in baked apple, honeyed oak, and subtle cinnamon… rivals far pricier pours.' The transparency is part of the charm—every detail, from mash bill (68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley) to distillation and aging, is listed proudly. It drinks like a soft, spiced apple crumble, making it a sweet spot bourbon for those tired of hype-chasing. Good Trouble Kentucky Straight Bourbon Good Trouble A bold pour with a bigger purpose Named in tribute to the late Congressman John Lewis, Good Trouble Bourbon blends flavor and mission. Bottled at 92 proof, this small-batch Kentucky bourbon delivers well-rounded notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and warm baking spices. Chicago bartender Josh Davis puts it best: 'With its combination of quality craftsmanship, distinctive flavor, and social mission, Good Trouble offers a premium experience at an accessible price point.' This is the bottle you pull out when you want to taste something good — and feel good about it. Pro tip: try it in a Whiskey Sour to let the caramel and spice play nicely with citrus. FEW Spirits Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon FEW Spirits Craft-made charm from Prohibition's hometown From Evanston, IL — the birthplace of the temperance movement — comes a rebellious little bourbon that refuses to be boring. FEW's Bottled-in-Bond is aged at least four years and bottled at 100 proof, with a mash bill that leans heavy on rye. Kyle McHugh, a longtime hospitality pro, calls it: 'Rich… dark red cherry and other red fruits, a delicately smoky vanilla note, & lively sumptuous caramel.' The red fruit really shines here — think cherry cola meets vanilla bean — with a slightly smoky backbone that makes it ideal for late-night sipping or standing out in a whiskey-forward cocktail. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Woodford Reserve A rich, toasty riff on a bourbon classic What happens when you take Woodford Reserve and age it again in a second, deeply toasted, lightly charred barrel? You get Double Oaked — a bourbon that somehow feels twice as luxurious while still under $50. 'It drinks bigger than it is,' says Lauren Painter of Scoundrel. Mourad Atiki of The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown adds,'Pleasant hints of caramel and toasted oak… vanilla and chocolate as well.' This is a dessert bourbon in all the right ways — rich, warm, and indulgent, but never cloying. Serve it with pecan pie or just drink it instead of dessert. Pinhook Straight Bourbon Whiskey Pinhook Approachable, bright, and cocktail-ready Pinhook takes a vintage-by-vintage approach to bourbon, releasing new blends each year. The core straight bourbon expression is light, zesty, and packed with flavor. Ivo Arkulin of The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans says: 'The nose is packed with orange peel and vanilla, with hints of butterscotch and nutmeg.' It's a natural fit for cocktails like the Paper Plane or a Vieux Carré, where its spice and citrus notes brighten up heavier components. Don't be fooled by the sub-$40 price tag — this one punches well above its weight. Russell's Reserve 10 Year Wild Turkey A decade in oak and a lot to love Crafted by Jimmy and Eddie Russell of Wild Turkey fame, this small-batch 90 proof bourbon has a well-earned reputation for being reliable, rich, and way too affordable for its age statement. David Orellana of Grand Brasserie says: 'Highly complex with notes of spicy vanilla, caramel, and sweet clove… finishes with a long oak-driven spice and butterscotch sweetness.' Aged in alligator char barrels, Russell's 10 offers a big, brooding sip that pairs well with cigars, deep thoughts, or slow Sunday afternoons. Eagle Rare 10 Year Buffalo Trace If you see it, don't think — buy A staple from Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare is often elusive but never disappointing. David Miller of HEI Hotels says: 'It delivers rich notes of caramel, oak, and dark fruit that rival bourbons twice its price… It does sell out often, so if you can grab a bottle at retail price, do it.' It's a mellow, aged beauty with flavors of toffee, candied orange peel, leather, and a whisper of cocoa. Eric LeGrand Bourbon Eric LeGrand Smooth sipper with a story to match Created in partnership with former Rutgers football player and spinal cord injury advocate Eric LeGrand, this bourbon is as meaningful as it is delicious. At around 88 proof, it's approachable yet full-bodied. Janelly Torres of Strickland's Steakhouse says: 'It's incredibly smooth with rich caramel and oak notes that pair perfectly with our signature cuts.' Aged in new charred oak and non-chill filtered, it brings butterscotch and toasted almond to the forefront with a soft, velvety finish. Bonus: proceeds support spinal cord injury research and awareness. Whether you're building your bourbon bar on a budget or just want to find a bottle that impresses without intimidation, this list proves you don't have to spend a fortune to drink like you did. And if anyone rolls their eyes at your under-$50 pick, just pour them a glass and let the bourbon do the talking. Odds are, they'll be asking where you got it by the second sip.
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Feasting In Louisville Begins Long Before The Running Of The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby lasts all of two minutes but in Louisville it begins days before with a series of parties that can last all day and half the night. Of course, the city always has a vibrant nightlife in the bars and restaurants around town, and, once you've clinched a tough-to-get hotel room, joining the festivities is just a question of showing up. During the preceding week in Louisville, which is promoted as Bourbon City, hordes of people will be joining the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which begins at the Welcome Center within the Frazier Museum and takes buses out to visit distilleries like Angel's Envy, Michter's, Evan Williams and Old Forester, while the city's own Urban Bourbon Trail heads down Whiskey Row on Main Street, which is now dotted with distilleries and restaurants. At any time of year eating Kentuckians' favorite foods is easy but requisite during Derby Week, not least pimento cheese and country ham and biscuits, which will be found at every party, with puffy split buttermilk biscuits with a thin slice of rosy, salty, thinly sliced country ham on the table. With this you drink a mint julep, a cocktail made from bourbon, sugar, and mint, traditionally served at the running of the Derby. The cocktail dates back to before 1800. Historian Frances Parkinson Keyes observed that 'The last instructions which a Virginia gentleman murmurs on his deathbed are, 'Never insult a decent woman, never bring a horse in the house, and never crush the mint in a julep!'' The other famous local cocktail is the Old Fashioned, made with whiskey (bourbon or rye), sugar, and bitters, served in a squat Old Fashioned glass. It was created around 1881, possibly at the Pendennis Club that opened that year. Another signature Louisville dish is the created at the Brown Hotel in the 1920ss when one night guests at its dinner dance went to the restaurant for a late bite, and chef Fred Schmidt came up with an open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and a delicate Mornay sauce. It is still the featured dish at the hotel, though not easily found outside of it. But no dish is more specific trace day than the Derby pie, a trademark name of the Kerns Bakery in town, for a very thick, rich chocolate-chip pecan pie. You can find dishes like these at Churchill Downs's nine food and drink venues, including Starting Gate Pavilion Balcony, the Skye Terrace, Millionaire's Row and Stakes Dining Room. One of my favorite places in town, dating back to 1958 is Pat's Steakhouse, set on two floors of a 150-year-old coach house with décor of dark woods, brass chandeliers, Waterford crystal, hundreds of old photos and white tablecloths, along with a wall of more than 60 bourbons. Begin with a platter of oysters, maybe the frogs' legs in garlic butter and then the 16-ounce strip steak or Pat's fried chicken. Jack Fry's pre-dates Pat's by a quarter century in business, decked out in decades of sports and gambling memorabilia. Here's where to get shrimp and grits with redeye gravy or the pork chop with smoked bacon and roast potatoes and the angel's food cake. Kentucky has a string barbecue culture, and one of the best I found in Louisville is Pork ribs BBQ at Backdeck. John Mariani owned by Chan Nelson, who insists you don't drown his succulent ribs in sauce. Best bargain is the three-meat platter with beans, smoked mac and cheese, and yams. Red Hog is a butcher shop that also purveys terrific sandwiches, soups and charcuterie. The Fat Tony sandwich ($16), mounted with mortadella, salami cotto, city ham, provolone, mayo, hot pepper tapenade, lettuce and onion, is terrific. There's first-rate Italian food at ROC, owned by chef Rocco Cadolini, for sumptuous pastas. Try for an outdoor patio table. For the big, brash splurge––and it's sure to be packed every night––make a reservation in advance at Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, which does indeed have 14 cuts of steak, as well as 15 variations of sushi, wagyu meatballs, a massive pork porterhouse with polenta cakes and heady black pepper jus and for dessert a three-layer carrot cake with warm caramel cream cheese icing. The restaurant's wine list deserves its many awards for great breadth and depth.
Forbes
06-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Michter's New Barrel Strength Whiskey Might Just Convert Rye Skeptics
Michter's US*1 Barrel Strength Rye Kentucky-based Michter's is most visible via its always-on releases, including bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey. While those bottlings are common sights on both retail and bar shelves, the brand's limited products have built a fervent following among passionate whiskey nerds. One of its newest such releases is a barrel strength rye that, after a taste test, might convert even the most ardent skeptics of that style. Michter's limited drops include age-stated releases—10 year old bourbon and rye, and much rarer 20 and even 25 year old expressions—along with toasted finish whiskeys, a technique the company was integral in popularizing. Slightly less talked-about are the brand's barrel strength expressions: a bourbon only available in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and a rye that is often (but not always) an annual, nationwide release. In February 2025, Michter's announced the latest in its line of US*1 Barrel Strength Rye, and bottles have been gradually hitting shelves in the months since. As per usual, it's a single barrel release, meaning there will be some variance in proof from one bottle to the next. The bottle we sampled clocked in at 55.1% ABV, and according to the brand, the average across all barrels in this round is about 55.25%. In the grand scheme of whiskey, those proofs are plenty robust, though noticeably lower than some comparable releases from other brands. That's largely due to Michter's uncommonly low barrel entry proof of 103, far under the federally mandated maximum of 125 for rye whiskey. Barreling at lower entry proofs is often a more expensive endeavor for distillers that means less alcohol per barrel. But it may also positively impact taste, as a lower proof in cask can allow for more introduction of water-soluble compounds from the wood. (Of course, that will vary depending on the exact profile a distiller is aiming for.) Michter's is tight-lipped about their mashbills. So while we don't know the exact grain breakdown for this recipe, a company press release highlights its 'Kentucky style' pedigree, with rye as the majority grain and 'a good deal of corn and malted barley as well.' 'We often have people at a tasting that say they are not rye drinkers, but when they taste Michter's they are surprised by how much they enjoy it," said Master Distiller Dan McKee in a press release. "This Kentucky style rye at barrel strength is another fantastic way to enjoy the traditional characteristics of a rye whiskey while offering a nice balance of sweetness and spice." Of course, like all single barrel products, there will be some variance from one batch of bottles to the next. Michter's is generally well-known for its consistency across such releases, in part because of a proprietary filtration process and tight barrel selection. We recently sampled a bottle of the new Michter's US*1 Barrel Strength Rye, and it's easy to agree with McKee: This is a rye even dedicated bourbon drinkers are likely to enjoy. The nose kicks off with potent rye spice buoyed by dark, nearly (but not quite!) burnt butterscotch. Further smells bring out some underlying herbal notes, just enough to check that box, though it's not fully into the realm of green, dill-adjacent characteristics some very high rye mashbills can convey. Instead, the latest barrel strength release walks a balanced line between the bold characteristics of a well-aged rye and aromas familiar to drinkers more acclimated to bourbon. A silky mouthfeel on the first sip leads into both red fruit and dark chocolate, along with light cinnamon, ginger, and caramel like the kind made from sweetened condensed milk. Citrus zest punctuates a finish that oscillates between sweet and tart, much like the final sip of a great old fashioned. Michter's US*1 Barrel Strength Rye now available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $120. This is a limited release, so happy hunting while they're out there.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Ellen DeGeneres's Montecito House in Photos
More from Robb Report Ellen DeGeneres Just Sold a Midcentury Bungalow in Montecito for $5.2 Million This $3.4 Million Manhattan Coop Comes With a Coveted Key to Gramercy Park Michter's Is About to Release Its Excellent Annual 10 Year Old Bourbon Best of Robb Report The 10 Priciest Neighborhoods in America (And How They Got to Be That Way) In Pictures: Most Expensive Properties Click here to read the full article. The single-level 1950s home has two bedrooms and two baths in roughly 1,700 square feet of renovated living space. The spacious fireside great room features living and dining areas alongside the kitchen. The living room is lined with windows. The kitchen boasts high-end appliances. The great room spills out to an enclosed patio with a fire pit and a seated bar that opens to the kitchen via a pass-through window. A guest bedroom sits just off the kitchen. A full guest bath is right across the hall. Next to the guest bath is a laundry room. Further down the hall is the primary suite. The primary bedroom has a private patio. The primary bath is spotlighted by a large freestanding soaking tub and doors leading to a privately walled courtyard. Flora-encased alfresco lounging and entertaining spots can be found amid the nearly half-acre grounds. An aerial view of the property, which is just minutes away from Butterfly Beach.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Distilleries feel the impact after Canada pulls U.S. booze from shelves. Here's how tariffs can affect consumer prices
Michter's Distillery, a family-owned distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, has already lost $115,000 in canceled shipments to Canada, its largest foreign market. The loss comes as many Canadian liquor stores are removing U.S. products from their shelves. 'If we're not selling to our largest export market, that's a significant impact to our business, and it's very sad for us, because we have friends, we've built relationships in that country for a long time,' Andrea Wilson, chief operating officer of Michter's, shared with NBC News. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Americans with upside-down car loans owe more money than ever before — and drivers can't keep up. Here are 3 ways to cut your monthly costs ASAP Trump had announced 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, but he later postponed those tariffs until April. The President then threatened to double the tariffs on steel and aluminum coming from Canada. Despite the uncertainty about what tariffs are in effect, when they will be implemented and at what rate, U.S. companies and the economy at large are feeling the impact of a burgeoning tariff war. Kentucky's bourbon industry generates $9 billion annually and employs 23,100 people, according to the Kentucky Distillers' Association. The association also estimates the state produces 95% of the world's bourbon supply — which means disruptions to the industry could have long-reaching effects on the companies that make it, as well as the state of Kentucky. Wilson said she fears her business could face further losses if the tariff war continues. 'That's the reality of it,' Wilson said. 'We would prefer to see less tariffs than more.' Fawn Weaver, founder of Black-owned whisky brand Uncle Nearest, has also had her product pulled from Canadian shelves. She saw it coming months ago, but for now, the tariff war means her brand can't be as competitive in the global market. 'We already knew coming into this, Trump was very clear in what he was going to do, even though we didn't know where the tariffs would hit,' she told NBC News. Brough Brothers Distillery, a Black-owned distillery in Louisville, is facing a different challenge. The company was negotiating with Canada to sell its products north of the border for the first time, but the deal fell through as soon as the tariffs were announced. 'Literally, we're in the middle of expansion,' said CEO Victor Yarbrough. 'Everything's been suspended, they don't have the ability to purchase.' Yarbrough said his company also planned to ship alcohol to France and the United Kingdom, but now he's considering South Africa and Brazil, which are smaller markets. Read more: Gold just hit a historic high of $3,000/ounce on Trump's tariff moves — while US stocks got slaughtered. Here's 1 simple way to prevent more pain within minutes Tariffs don't just affect American exports like bourbon — they also drive up costs for imported goods. While President Trump claims other countries pay the tariff on goods imported into America, it's actually U.S. companies footing the bill — and they often pass those costs on to consumers. "If there is a significant increase in tariffs… those costs will likely be passed onto U.S. consumers and businesses," Brian Peck, executive director of the University of Southern California's Center for Transnational Law and Business, shared with CBS News Los Angeles. The Peterson Institute for International Economics predicts Trump's tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China could raise prices for American households by $1,200 annually. These tariffs affect a wide range of products, including groceries, automobiles and electronics. The Budget Lab puts the estimate even higher, saying average American families can expect to pay between $1,600 and $2,000 more per year. In the automotive sector, tariffs on steel and aluminum could lead to price increases across all vehicles, impacting both imported and domestically-produced models. Experts estimate prices could increase by $4,000 to $12,500, depending on the vehicle. 'There is no way you're going to see a better discount if you wait three months,' Ivan Drury, director of insights at Edmunds told NBC News. 'That's guaranteed.' Food prices are likely to rise as well. According to the USDA, the U.S. is Mexico's most significant agricultural trading partner, with nearly 92% of Mexico's agricultural exports coming to America. As for Canada, the U.S. imported $40 billion worth of potatoes, canola oil, beef, pork and grains from our neighbors to the north back in 2023. If those imports were to be subjected to 25% tariffs, that could drastically increase consumers' grocery bills, depending on how much of the cost businesses pass on to American consumers. As negotiations continue, one thing is clear: tariffs have ripple effects that extend far beyond bourbon exports. Whether it's the cost of a bottle of liquor, a new car or a trip to the grocery store, tariffs can significantly increase household budgets. To navigate rising costs, American consumers can look for alternative brands, buy in bulk or take advantage of sales and loyalty programs to soften the impact on their wallets. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Protect your retirement savings with these 5 essential money moves — most of which you can complete in just minutes This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Sign in to access your portfolio
