Shenk's Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey 2024
Shenk's Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey 2024 is a 91.2-proof (45.6% ABV) vintage-dated American whiskey — the 2024 release in Michter's Legacy Series, honoring the 1753 Shenk distillery heritage with a grain bill of rye, malted rye, and caramel malt, some barrels using French Vosges oak air-dried and seasoned for 24 months before toasting. In a 750mL bottle. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 91.2 proof (45.6% ABV)
- Release: 2024 vintage-dated annual release, Michter's Legacy Series
- Grain bill: rye, malted rye, and caramel malt (caramel malt debuts in the 2024 release)
- Wood: select barrels from French Vosges-region oak, air-dried and seasoned 24 months before toasting
- Heritage: honors John Shenk, the Swiss Mennonite farmer who founded the distillery in 1753
Three Centuries of Sour Mash
Before it was Michter's, it was Shenk's — the Pennsylvania distillery founded by Swiss Mennonite farmer John Shenk in 1753, which became Michter's in the 20th century. The Legacy Series revives the old names on bottle labels that deliberately keep the Michter's branding quiet, and the 2024 Shenk's Homestead edition is Master Distiller Dan McKee's most experimental yet: caramel malt joins the rye-forward mash for the first time, adding a creamy texture to the whiskey's herbaceous, spicy profile. Explore the Michter's collection and more American whiskey at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Per retailer copy consistent with the release: the nose opens with rye spice, caramel, and toasted oak, with dried fruit, vanilla, and floral notes behind. The palate blends spicy rye, sweet caramel, and creamy vanilla with toasted oak, baking spices, and a hint of dark chocolate — the malted rye and caramel malt lending a smooth, creamy texture. The finish is long and warming with lingering spice, oak, and sweetness.
How to Enjoy
Drink it neat in a Glencairn to catch the interplay of French oak and rye spice; the 91.2 proof opens with a splash of water or a single cube. It also gives a Boulevardier or Old Fashioned genuine depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shenk's Homestead the same as Michter's?
Yes — Shenk's Homestead is part of Michter's Legacy Series, named for the distillery's 1753 origins as Shenk's. Each vintage-dated release varies the mash bill and wood.
What is sour mash whiskey?
A whiskey made with the sour mash process, where a portion of spent mash from a previous distillation ("setback") is added to the new batch to keep fermentation consistent and add depth.
What is the 2024 Shenk's Homestead proof?
It is bottled at 91.2 proof (45.6% ABV), consistent across the annual release.
A vintage-dated whiskey from America's oldest distilling lineage — order Shenk's Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey 2024 online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.