One of the World’s Best Bourbons Is Back: Michter’s 20 Year Old Set to Return in December

(Photo: Michter’s)

Michter’s Distillery announced on Thursday that it will release its 20 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon on Dec. 1. The release follows Michter’s recognition as The World’s Most Admired Whiskey for the third consecutive time by Drinks International earlier this year.

The 2025 release is bottled at 114.2 proof (57.1% ABV) and carries a suggested retail price of $1,200 for a 750-milliliter bottle. It will be distributed to select bars, restaurants and retailers across the U.S.

“By law bourbon must be aged in a brand new barrel, which imparts flavor, color and oak character more quickly than a used barrel,” Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco said in a news release. “To age a whiskey that will taste wonderful after two decades in a first-use barrel is an extremely difficult endeavor that requires a skillful balance of art and science.”

Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson, who oversees barrel management and warehouse conditions, said careful aging is key to the bourbon’s flavor. “Details matter when it comes to aging bourbon gracefully,” Wilson said. “Michter’s 20 Year Bourbon is an exemplary representation of how oak can be used to deepen vanilla, toffee, chocolate, spice, fruit, and confectionery notes.”

Master Distiller Dan McKee added that the team takes “great pride in offering such a special whiskey,” noting the extensive work required to mature barrels for this release.

The 20-year expression reflects Michter’s broader focus on controlled aging and quality production. Beyond its Shively distillery, the company operates a 205-acre grain farm in Springfield, Kentucky, and its Fort Nelson Distillery in downtown Louisville. The Fort Nelson site, which houses the brand’s historic Pennsylvania pot still system, offers public tours and whiskey tastings along with a cocktail bar curated by spirits historian David Wondrich.

Michter’s 20 Year Old Bourbon has earned a remarkable Critics’ Score of 96 on The Daily Pour, marking it as one of the best bourbons in the world. Click here to read reviews from trusted critics. According to Wine-Searcher, the average price of that bottle on the open marketplace is $5,676 — a high price for an extremely high-quality bottle.