Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey (Taste, How to Invest)

After its re-launch in 2013, Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash whiskey has become one of the most sought-after, limited-edition whiskey bottles on the market. It’s a marvelous blend of straight bourbon and rye.

The American whiskey company, Michter’s Distillery, shook the industry with the release by offering a rare blend that rivaled the finest spirits worldwide. 

But what makes the Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash whiskey so unique? 

We’ll reveal this and more, including what this luxurious whiskey tastes like, a glimpse into Michter’s Distilleries, and if you should invest in it.

You’ll also discover an exciting way to add whiskey casks to your collection through Vinovest.

Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey: An Overview

Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash whiskey is a marvelous blend of straight bourbon and rye that was hugely popular during the 70s and 80s. 

The name 'Sour Mash' came from the whiskey production process. The whiskey makers used previously fermented mash to start making the new batch (like how sourdough bread is made.) 

This iconic whiskey disappeared from the market and was reintroduced in 2013 in Michter’s US1 collection. 

After the Michter Celebration release, the whiskey grew highly desirable among connoisseurs and investors. This is thanks to the efforts of Michters master distillers like the late Willie Pratt, Pamela Heilmann, and currently Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson. 

After its relaunch, Michter’s Distillery has four editions of the Celebration Sour Mash whiskey:

• Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash 2013
• Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash 2016
• Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash 2019
• Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash 2022

Let’s take a look at what makes the 2022 edition so popular.

What Makes the 2022 Michter's Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey Special?

This magnificent whiskey features a rare blend of seven whiskeys chosen from fantastic barrels — four Kentucky straight rye and three Kentucky straight bourbon aged in used barrels from 12 to 30+ years.

The unique blend, created by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson, was aged in fire-charred, new American white oak barrels. 

The 2022 Kentucky straight rye and Kentucky straight bourbon blend is priced at $6,000 per bottle. 

Michters Celebration Sour Mash whiskey was made even more special by its packaging. Each bottle comes in a beautifully designed gift box with a letter signed by McKee. 

This whiskey has a bottling strength of 112.8 proof (56.4% alcohol by volume). 

What Does the 2022 Michter's Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey Taste Like?

The 2022 edition of Michters Celebration Sour Mash whiskey has a nose of creme brulee, vanilla, molasses, and milk chocolate notes. 

The palate is rich and warm with dark chocolate truffle, vanilla, savory characteristics, and pineapple notes. 

The finish is decadent with notes of cinnamon, clove, and maple syrup, along with the lingering richness of candied pecans.

Michter's Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey: Older Editions

Here’s a quick look at the older editions of Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash whiskey:

• Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash 2013: This release put the Celebration Sour Mash blend firmly in the premium whiskey category of American spirits. It’s made up of aged whiskey from Kentucky straight rye barrels and Kentucky straight bourbon barrels aged from 20-30 years. The whiskey has a bottling strength of 112.3 proof (56.15% alcohol by volume).
• Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash 2016: This whiskey has a unique blend of first-use barrel whiskeys aged from 10-30 years. These whiskeys were taken from Kentucky straight bourbon barrels and Kentucky straight rye barrels chosen by Master Distiller Willie Pratt before he retired. The blend has a bottling strength of 116.8 proof (58% alcohol by volume).
• Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash 2019: This edition contains a blend of whiskeys ranging from 10-30 years taken from four Kentucky straight rye barrels and two Kentucky straight bourbon barrels. It has a bottling strength of 112.3 proof (56.15% alcohol by volume).

A Quick Look at Michter’s Distillery 

Michters Distillery is famous for its small-batch American whiskey, small-batch bourbon, single-barrel rye whiskey (or single malt scotch whisky), and single-barrel bourbon. 

It has had many owners throughout the years. 

Let’s take a look:

• It was founded by John Shenk, a Swiss Mennonites farmer in Pennsylvania, in 1753. It was called Shenk’s and originally produced whiskey from only rye grain.
• In the 1950s, one owner, Lou Forman, created the Michter brand name by combining his sons' names, Michael and Peter.
• In 1989, the then-owners were forced to declare bankruptcy and leave the Pennsylvania premises.
• In the 1990s, Joseph Magliocco and Richard Newman (under Chatham Imports, Inc.) resurrected Michter’s in Kentucky — the heart of the modern American whiskey industry.  

Today, the iconic American whiskey makers have 205 acres of farmland and two distilleries in Kentucky:

• Michter’s Shively Distillery is where the whiskey processing and bottling take place. It features a 46-foot high copper column still designed by the late Master Distiller Willie Pratt, Rob Sherman, and Master Distiller Emerita Pamela Heilmann.
• Michters Fort Nelson Distillery on Whiskey Row, Louisville, is the official starting point for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Fort Nelson also features a world-class bar with a cocktail list selected by cocktail author and historian David Wondrich. 

Should You Invest in Michter's Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey?

With only 328 bottles of the 2022 edition available for sale, it’s no wonder that Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash whiskey is among the most sought-after in the world. 

Previous editions of Michter’s limited-edition Celebration Sour Mash whiskey have received many awards and accolades.

• The 2019 edition was named Whisky of the Year by the Whisky Exchange - the first time an American whiskey received the title.
• Food and Wine awarded the Celebration Sour Mash the title of Best American Whiskey.

Whiskey critics and connoisseurs have also shared positive reviews for these iconic bottles. For example:

• F Paul Pacult of the newsletter Spirit Journal described the whiskey as “magnificent.”
• Robb Report declared it “the best of the best.”

So what’s the easiest way to invest in whiskey like Michters Celebration Sour Mash? 

Through Vinovest. 

Invest in Renowned Whiskey Casks Through Vinovest

Vinovest is an AI-driven whiskey investment platform that offers you an easy way to buy, store, and sell the rarest whiskey casks in the world. 

Whiskey casks have historically performed well, increasing in value by 12-18% annually. 

This makes investing in whiskey casks a good long-term investment option to maximize potential returns. 

Why invest through Vinovest?

• Your cask is stored, managed, and insured by the Vinovest team of experts.
• You will receive a sample bottle from your cask every year.
• You can view your whiskey in person.
• You can either sell your cask or have it bottled. 

Ready to diversify your portfolio and add Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash to your collection? 

Check out Vinovest right away!