The folks who make the various Michter’s bourbons, ryes, Sour Mash, and American whiskies has another limited edition whiskey on the market, Shenk’s Homestead. I luckily snagged a bottle at the Hokus Pokus auction.

This is a 91.2 proof non-aged stated whiskey. It is sour mash, but not bourbon and not rye. My theory is that this whiskey is equally proportioned between corn and rye, with some malted barley.

The color is a very dark amber with a slight reddish hue, so this definitely has some decent age on it. On the swirl are nice thick long legs and film. It appears to be a well made spirit. On the nose is caramel, rye spice, some floral notes. On the palate is a wonderful mouthfeel, tons of delicious rye and toasted caramel with some nice oak notes. A very interesting whiskey, with a lot of flavor at this low proof. Very nice lingering finish. Extremely smooth.

I have written that there is a fine line between high rye bourbons and ryes with a lot of corn in the mashbill. I think this whiskey is that line, elegantly done.

I opened this bottle not quite knowing what to expect. I figured it would be good but I had no idea what the flavors would exactly be. But this is really good, and brings together the best of rye and bourbon. A really enjoyable whiskey.