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Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish vs Johnny Drum Private Stock
On paper Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish and Johnny Drum Private Stock are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$90 – $130 vs. ~$35 – $45) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish | Johnny Drum Private Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$90 – $130 | ~$35 – $45 ~$70 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish and Johnny Drum Private Stock do not publish an official mash bill.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
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Johnny Drum Private Stock
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 8/5 oak: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 8 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 8 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 4 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 4 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 4 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating here.
- Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish: The standard Michter's bourbon given a second toasted barrel, which adds sweetness and wood to an already polished pour. Genuinely good, though the price has drifted well past what the liquid alone justifies.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish if you want the smoothest, most polished toasted-barrel pour here and price is not the deciding factor.
- Go with Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character at a significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock).