Michter’s Legacy Series 2026: What’s New This Year
Big news out of Louisville - Michter’s has announced its 2026 Legacy Series releases, landing this April.
Two bottles. Two stories. Both tied back to 1700s American distilling roots.
Here’s what’s new in Michter’s Legacy Series 2026:
What’s Dropping
Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash (45.6% ABV)
Rye-forward, layered with caramel malted barley.
The oak program leans French Vosges alongside American oak - think caramelised pastry, soft spice, and structure.
Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon (54% ABV)
Chinquapin oak meets Hungarian oak influence.
Higher proof, more grip - this is the bolder of the two.
The Legacy Behind It
These releases trace back to John Shenk, who established the original Pennsylvania distillery in 1753.
Later acquired by Abraham Bomberger in the 1800s - the operation would eventually become Michter's Distillery.
Same roots. Different era.
Why It Matters
Under Dan McKee and Andrea Wilson, this series isn’t about consistency, it’s about exploration.
Oak origin. Air-drying. Grain structure. Toast and char.
Each release is a controlled shift in those variables.
Annual release. Never a repeat.
The Bigger Picture
Here’s the thing with these:
Bomberger’s evolves yearly. PFG was a moment.
And once you’ve seen what they can do with something like Precision Fine Grain, you realise these releases aren’t the ceiling, they’re the baseline.
Availability
Limited quantities hit US retailers in April. Shenk’s: $110 USD. Bomberger’s: $120 USD
For us in Aus, it means a lot later in the year and only a sniff of what's dropping in the US.
Source: The Whisky Wire
