Product Description:
Rye-driven and quietly complex, this is Kentucky whiskey with deep character. The 2024 release of Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey builds on its historic roots with a distinctive grain bill and thoughtful oak selection. Named for John Shenk, whose 1753 distillery would become Michter’s, this small batch release is made in Kentucky using the traditional sour mash method, bringing texture and depth to the spirit.
A substantial proportion of rye adds lifted spice and green herbal notes, balanced by creamier tones from malted rye and caramel malt. Maturation in toasted French oak from the Vosges, seasoned for 24 months, lends structure and subtle tension. Bottled at 45.6% ABV, this is a layered, full-bodied whiskey made for slow appreciation.
Maker
Shenk’s is rooted in the legacy of John Shenk, who in 1753 established a Pennsylvania distillery that would, centuries later, become known as Michter’s. That early frontier distillery is recognised as one of the foundations of American whiskey history, and today the Michter’s team continues to honour that lineage with considered releases under the Shenk’s name.
This year’s edition takes inspiration from the rye-forward styles that defined much of America’s whiskey heritage. To deepen those characters, a portion of fully matured spirit was finished in French oak barrels sourced from the Vosges region. Air dried and seasoned for 24 months before being carefully toasted rather than charred, these casks bring a more assertive spice, alongside notes of dried fruit, burnt sugar and toffee.
Philosophy
Michter’s is guided by a pursuit of uncompromising quality, taking deliberate steps that go far beyond industry norms. Every element of production, from cooperage to filtration, is managed with patience and precision. Wood for barrels is air dried for up to five years, then toasted before charring to unlock greater depth. New-make spirit enters casks at the historically revered 103 proof, fostering richer chemistry with the oak, while warehouses are heat cycled through winter to encourage additional maturation cycles.
Every whiskey is released either as a single barrel or in truly small batch form, with no more than twenty barrels married at a time. Filtration is tailored to the character of each expression, ensuring balance and integrity rather than efficiency. These practices demand greater cost and yield less volume, but they define the Michter’s house style and its reputation for whiskies of remarkable structure and finesse.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Crème brûlée and spice
Lifted aromatics of scorched sugar and dry baking spice.
PALATE
– Herbaceous and spiced
Rye-led and green-edged with spice, stone fruit, and soft nougat.
FINISH
– Smooth and creamy
A long, rounded close with silken texture and lingering warmth.
Reviews & Accolades
“It’s rich, it’s complex, it’s unique, and it’s frankly unbelievably great whiskey. Delightful.” – Bottle Raiders, 92 Points
“The finish, in the best possible way, is chocolatey with more hints of cooked cherry and oaky aromatics—like licking chocolate cherry (Black Forest) cake batter off the back of a new wooden spoon.” – Amanda Schuster, Distiller, 88 Points
“If you see this on the shelf for $130 or less, it’s an automatic buy.” – Mike & Mike, The Bourbon Culture, 92 Points
Finer Details:
Style - Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey
Varietal - Sour Mash, Malted Rye
Country - United States
Region - Kentucky
Vintage - 2024 Release
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 45.6%
Closure - Natural cork
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