The Story
Kentucky straight bourbon aged 20 years. Released only when Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson determine available barrels have achieved peak maturity. The 2021 is one of the approved annual releases in Michter's ultra-aged lineup.
Like the Michter's 25 Year, the 20 Year is not released on a fixed calendar. Michter's releases it only when the team's joint evaluation of available barrels confirms the expression is ready — meaning in some years there is no release. The 2021 edition was approved by Dan McKee (in consultation with Andrea Wilson) from Michter's carefully managed inventory of 20-year barrels, each of which has spent two decades in Kentucky's extreme climate.
Twenty years in Kentucky is a long time by any standard. Most bourbon is consumed between 4 and 12 years old; very few distilleries produce commercially viable spirit at 20 years. Michter's program succeeds because of the specific barrels selected for extended aging and the discipline to release only when the maturation standard is met. At 20 years, the oak has fully integrated with the grain distillate — producing a bourbon that is rich, complex, and unmistakably the product of extraordinary patience.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep amber with rich mahogany tones from two decades of barrel contact.
- Nose: Caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit with a deep oak presence — the complexity of 20-year maturation layered through the aromatics.
- Palate: Smooth and full-bodied — dark fruit, leather, warm spice, and caramel in a fully integrated expression that could only come from ultra-long aging.
- Finish: Long and evolving — warm oak and spice fading through a deeply satisfying close.
Specs
- Producer: Michter's Distillery, Louisville, Kentucky
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Age: 20 years
- Release: 2021
- Approved by: Dan McKee (Master Distiller) + Andrea Wilson (Master of Maturation)
- Size: 750ml
Explore all bourbon at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What years has the Michter's 20 Year been released? Michter's has released the 20 Year in select years including 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2021 — skipping years when no barrels met the peak standard. The 2021 is Dan McKee's second approved 20 Year release as Master Distiller.
- How does the 2021 compare to the 2016, 2018, and 2019 editions? Each year's release reflects a different set of 20-year barrels. The proof, tasting notes, and character vary between vintages as each barrel cohort is different. The 2021 is the most recent approved edition and reflects McKee's mature vision for the expression.
- Is Michter's 20 Year rarer than the 25 Year? Both are among the rarest American bourbons commercially produced. In terms of annual availability, the 20 Year is released slightly more frequently than the 25 Year, but both are extremely limited and not available through standard retail channels.
- Is the 2021 Michter's 20 Year still available? In very limited quantities. This is a one-time vintage from a non-annual contingent release program.
Description
Kentucky straight bourbon aged 20 years. Released only when Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson determine available barrels have achieved peak maturity. The 2021 is one of the approved annual releases in Michter's ultra-aged lineup.
Like the Michter's 25 Year, the 20 Year is not released on a fixed calendar. Michter's releases it only when the team's joint evaluation of available barrels confirms the expression is ready — meaning in some years there is no release. The 2021 edition was approved by Dan McKee (in consultation with Andrea Wilson) from Michter's carefully managed inventory of 20-year barrels, each of which has spent two decades in Kentucky's extreme climate.
Twenty years in Kentucky is a long time by any standard. Most bourbon is consumed between 4 and 12 years old; very few distilleries produce commercially viable spirit at 20 years. Michter's program succeeds because of the specific barrels selected for extended aging and the discipline to release only when the maturation standard is met. At 20 years, the oak has fully integrated with the grain distillate — producing a bourbon that is rich, complex, and unmistakably the product of extraordinary patience.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep amber with rich mahogany tones from two decades of barrel contact.
- Nose: Caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit with a deep oak presence — the complexity of 20-year maturation layered through the aromatics.
- Palate: Smooth and full-bodied — dark fruit, leather, warm spice, and caramel in a fully integrated expression that could only come from ultra-long aging.
- Finish: Long and evolving — warm oak and spice fading through a deeply satisfying close.
Specs
- Producer: Michter's Distillery, Louisville, Kentucky
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Age: 20 years
- Release: 2021
- Approved by: Dan McKee (Master Distiller) + Andrea Wilson (Master of Maturation)
- Size: 750ml
Explore all bourbon at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What years has the Michter's 20 Year been released? Michter's has released the 20 Year in select years including 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2021 — skipping years when no barrels met the peak standard. The 2021 is Dan McKee's second approved 20 Year release as Master Distiller.
- How does the 2021 compare to the 2016, 2018, and 2019 editions? Each year's release reflects a different set of 20-year barrels. The proof, tasting notes, and character vary between vintages as each barrel cohort is different. The 2021 is the most recent approved edition and reflects McKee's mature vision for the expression.
- Is Michter's 20 Year rarer than the 25 Year? Both are among the rarest American bourbons commercially produced. In terms of annual availability, the 20 Year is released slightly more frequently than the 25 Year, but both are extremely limited and not available through standard retail channels.
- Is the 2021 Michter's 20 Year still available? In very limited quantities. This is a one-time vintage from a non-annual contingent release program.
