Credit: Lost Cargo
Shenk’s Homestead is a limited, annual release whiskey from Michter’s. Alongside Bomberger’s Declaration, the two expressions make up Michter’s Legacy Series.
Shenk’s is named for John Shenk, who founded Bomberger’s Distillery in 1753, which later became known as Michter’s. It shares a similar base whiskey with Michter’s US-1 Sour Mash, although the distillery is undisclosed.
Michter’s describes it as a “Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey made with a substantial amount of rye.” Originally launched in 2018 with a portion aged in French oak, Michter’s transitioned to Chinquapin oak from 2019-2021, which it has in common with Bomberger’s. In 2022, Michter’s returned to the use of French oak for Shenk’s.
As of 2023, Michter’s uses two barrel profiles for Shenk’s Homestead. Note that the distillery no longer lists French oak as a finishing barrel, so it can be assumed that both are used for primary maturation:
- a portion is aged in 18-month naturally air-dried and seasoned wood, toasted and charred to Michter’s specifications
- a portion is aged in toasted French oak barrels made from 24-month air-dried wood sourced from the Vosges region of France
