Compare
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B vs Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Put Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B next to Michter's US*1 Small Batch and you have a classic, high-wheat stalwart set against a blender-built, corn-forward bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B | Michter's US*1 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | 12 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$170 – $900 | ~$45 – $55 ~$485 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Michter's US*1 Small Batch do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10
spice 3/4 spice: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
- 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.
Best enjoyed neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B); neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch).