Michter’s 20 Year Bourbon: Released Only When It’s Ready

A Name With Deep American Roots

The Michter's name dates back to a Pennsylvania distillery with a history stretching to the 18th century, though the modern Michter's brand — revived in the 1990s — distills and ages its whiskey in Kentucky today. What carried over is the philosophy: Michter's has never chased a fixed release calendar, choosing instead to bottle single barrels and small batches only once they've been individually tasted and approved.

Why Twenty Years Is the Exception, Not the Rule

Most bourbon peaks well before its 15th year in a Kentucky rickhouse, where temperature swings accelerate maturation compared to Scotland's cooler climate. A barrel that's still balanced — not over-oaked, not flat — at 20 years is rare enough that Michter's only releases this age statement in small, irregular batches, and never as an annual guarantee.

Tasting Notes

At 57.1% ABV, two decades of maturation shows up as rich praline and dried fruit, layered with warming baking spice that builds rather than fades. It's widely considered Michter's most complex American whiskey release, and the reason the 20 Year commands attention every time a new batch appears.

Buying It at Caskworth

Caskworth carries Michter's 20 Year Bourbon at $999.99, alongside the even rarer Michter's 25 Year at $3,999.99 for collectors who want to taste the full extent of the brand's aging program. Same-day delivery is available to 33 U.S. states and 7 Canadian provinces.

How 20 Year Compares to 25 Year

Michter's 20 Year Bourbon ($999.99, 57.1% ABV) sits below the 25 Year ($3,999.99, 58.4% ABV) in both price and age, but both share the same praline and dried fruit house style — the 20 Year is the more attainable way to taste what extended aging does to Michter's bourbon.