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Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Comparing Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$90 – $130 ~$425 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Limited easier to find | Allocated |
- Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 8/6 oak: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 8 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
heat 4/3 heat: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
sweetness 8/8 sweetness: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 8 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced 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 without hunting for it.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat (Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).