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Michter's US*1 Small Batch vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Put Michter's US*1 Small Batch next to Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and you have a sourced, corn-forward blend set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Michter's US*1 Small Batch | 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 | ~$45 – $55 ~$485 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.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 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Michter's US*1 Small Batch Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- 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.
- 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 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges at a significantly lower price point and 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, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).