Shenk's Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey- Release 2026

John Shenk started his distillery in 1753, which in the 20th century became known as Michter's. Now, Michter's, produces less than 2500 bottles a year of the incredibly balanced and complex Shenk's Sour Mash Whiskey.

Sour Mash Whiskey is made by holding some of the previous mash- also known as "Setback"- and added into the new mash. Just like a sourdough process, resulting in Whiskey that continuously evolves. Shenk's Sour Mash, typically has high Rye content, but the 2026 Release had a larger amount of Honey Barley, resulting in richer, caramel-noted style of Whiskey. In addition, the 2026 Release was aged in French oak barrels sourced from the Vosges Mountains, near Alsace in northeastern France. The oak was allowed to dry age for two years before it was processed for Shenk's. They also used American oak that was aged for about 5 years.