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Michter's US*1 Small Batch vs Woodford Reserve
Comparing Michter's US*1 Small Batch and Woodford Reserve reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Michter's US*1 Small Batch | Woodford Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$35 – $42 ~$12 less |
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch does 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.
Woodford Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Michter's US*1 Small Batch Woodford Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/6 spice: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 3/4 heat: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Woodford Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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.
- Woodford Reserve: The most widely poured premium bourbon in America, and a genuinely well-made one. Dried fruit and cocoa over a balanced 18% rye mash, finished smooth enough to please almost anyone.
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 with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with Woodford Reserve if you want a polished, widely available crowd-pleaser that never puts a foot wrong at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Woodford Reserve).