Compare
Ancient Age vs Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Comparing Ancient Age and Michter's US*1 Small Batch reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Ancient Age | Michter's US*1 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) +11 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$34 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Ancient Age and Michter's US*1 Small Batch do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Ancient Age
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Ancient Age Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: Ancient Age 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10
oak 3/5 oak: Ancient Age 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Ancient Age 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Ancient Age 2 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Ancient Age 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Ancient Age 4 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- Ancient Age: The bottom rung of the Buffalo Trace ladder and priced accordingly. Thin and simple at 80 proof, but it is recognisably the Mash Bill #2 recipe and it does its job in a highball without complaint.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Ancient Age if you want the cheapest honest mixer in the lineup and you are not drinking it neat.
- Go with Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges with more proof behind it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball (Ancient Age); neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch).