Review: Michter’s 10 Year Old Single Barrel 2026 Is the Perfect Bourbon for Drinkers With a Sweet Tooth

(Photo: Michter’s)

The 2026 release of Michter’s 10-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon is one of the most sought-after whiskey releases among collectors year after year. Always delicious, the release is typically aged beyond what many consumers realize, with many barrels in the blend far surpassing that 10-year minimum age statement.

The 2026 release is bottled at 94.4 proof (47.2% ABV) with a suggested retail price of $195. Finding it at that price, however, can be difficult; Wine-Searcher reports that the average price of Michter’s 10-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon is $404.

We had the chance to taste the 2026 release, and our biggest takeaway was that it’s an ideal bourbon for drinkers with a sweet tooth (and, as always, who have more than a few extra dollars lying around).

The nose opens with mature oak layered over dessert-driven notes of dark chocolate-covered cherries, crème brûlée, caramel and gingerbread. Sassafras and light baking spice sit underneath, reinforcing a warm, pastry-like aromatic core.

On the palate, the whiskey leans heavily into sweetness and texture. A thick, viscous mouthfeel carries notes of crème brûlée, brown sugar, candied ginger, orange peel, chocolate shavings, almonds and toasted marshmallow. Oak is present but remains a relative afterthought on the mid-palate, allowing the sweeter elements to dominate rather than compete with sharp tannin.

The finish brings tannin into sharper focus. Oak tannin, coffee grounds and leather emerge first before transitioning into caramel, brown sugar and pretzel. The contrast between the uber- sweet palate and oaky finish lends to a fantastic, well balanced pour.

For drinkers who favor sweet, confectionary bourbon profiles with a structured finish, the 2026 release is one to track down.

Click here to read our full review and scoring of Michter’s 10-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon.