Michter’s American Whiskey

Michter’s American Whiskey

Spirit of the Month – May 2018

Written By: Aaron Janssen

Originally known as Shenk’s, the whiskey company that ultimately came to be known as Mitcher’s was founded by John Shenk in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania in 1753. In the mid 1800’s a Pennsylvanian Dutchman named Abraham Bomberger purchased the distillery and was known as Bomberger’s for many decades. 

1919:  Prohibition forced the distillery to close its doors. After prohibition was repealed the distillery did open back up and changed hands many time over the next few decades.

1950’s: Lou Forman, one of then-owners, created the modern Michter’s brand name by combining portions of his sons names- Michael and Peter.

1989:  Michter’s then owners declared bankruptcy and abandoned the premises, leaving it’s Pennsylvania operations in disrepair and the Mitcher’s name- seemingly- lost in history… were it nor for a fortuitous connection to two whiskey lovers with an abiding admiration for the old Michter’s legend and quality.

1990’s:  Joseph J. Magliocco and Richard “Dick” Newman teamed up to resurrect Michter’s. Magliocco and Newman began with a simple strategy- to honor Michter’s legacy by producing the best whiskey possible, cost be damned!  After filing for the unused Michter’s trademark, they made the decision to resurrect Michter’s in Kentucky, the heart of the American whiskey industry.

Today Michter’s has two locations in Kentucky, a 67,000 square foot distillery in the Shively section  of Louisville, and the Fort Nelson building in downtown Louisville.

Unlike Bourbon or Rye, which, by definition, must be aged in new oak barrels, Unblended American Whiskey is aged in a way that utilizes bourbon-soaked barrels to achieve a rich and unique flavor profile. US1 Unblended American Whiskey never contains grain neutral spirits – hence its “unblended” distinction.

MANHATTAN

2oz American Whiskey

1oz Sweet Vermouth

Luxardo Marachino Cherries

Cherry Bitters

-Mix American Whiskey and Sweet Vermouth and shake with Ice

                – Can be served on the rocks or straight up in martini glass

                – Garnish with Cherries