Compare
Michter's US*1 Small Batch vs Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Comparing Michter's US*1 Small Batch and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by price (~$45 – $55 vs. ~$85 – $100).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Michter's US*1 Small Batch | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +9 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 ~$43 less | ~$85 – $100 |
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Michter's US*1 Small Batch Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 5/8 fruit: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/5 nuttiness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- 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.
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon: Finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Cognac casks. The casks layer dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate over the bourbon and leave a long, clove-spiced finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch); neat (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon).