Shenk's Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash (2023)

Shenk's Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash (2023)

Shenk's Homestead Distillery Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey honors the legacy of historic American whiskey figure John Shenk, who in 1753 founded a distillery that would become known as Michter's in the 20th century. It is made in Kentucky according to the traditional Sour Mash process, where part of the previously distilled whiskey mash (called "kickback") is added in the next batch. This full-bodied small batch whiskey is 91.2 proof.

Shenk's is a Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey made with a significant amount of rye. The unique character of this 2023 release is due to the fact that it is produced with malted rye in the recipe. Additionally, they used two different and rather special barrel profiles to mature it: Part of it was aged in 18 months of naturally air-dried and seasoned wood with our signature toast and char profile, and part of it was aged in specially toasted French oak casks that were made from 24-month air-dried wood from the Vosges in France. This is a warm and rich expression with highlights of spiced fruit, nougat, honey and spiced chocolate.

Color: Dark amber
Scent: Toffee with spice and vanilla
Taste: A whiskey to enjoy complimented by highlights of smooth spices, dried fruit and honey
Aftertaste: Smooth and tasty

Batch# L23E1508

About the distillery

The distillery was originally called Shenks and later became Bomberger's. It was founded by John Shenk, a Swiss immigrant and farmer in Pennsylvania in 1753.

Whiskey was primarily produced on rye, which was bought locally. There was a very high demand for the distillery's whiskey. The story goes that Shenks whiskey was so popular that George Washington visited the distillery and bought whiskey for his men to keep warm in the winter when the Revolutionary War broke out.

Later, the distillery was bought by Dutchman Abraham Bomberger's and for many years thereafter was called Bomberger's.

After some hard years, the distillery was taken over in the 1990s by Joseph J. Magliocco and Richard “Dick” Newman. They still have the distillery to this day and produce whiskey according to tradition. Their master distiller Willie Pratt is known as one of the best and never compromises on the quality of the products. If he judges that a dish is not ready for release, then it remains until he gives the green light. Quality is alpha omega for Michter's.