Two distinct expressions, united by history and the courage to reinvent taste.
In the universe of American whiskey, there are releases that do not only aim for consistency, but for evolution. Michter’s Legacy Series is exactly that kind of project: an annual exploration where tradition and experiment meet. The 2026 edition continues this story, bringing to the fore two expressions that not only evoke the past, but reinterpret it.
A legacy that begins in 1753
The Legacy Series is built around a story that begins in 1753 with John Shenk and his distillery in Pennsylvania. Over time, it became Bomberger’s, and later — in a modern form — Michter’s.
After the distillery closed in 1990, the brand was brought back to life by Joe Magliocco, in a journey that turned an almost forgotten name into a landmark of American premium whiskey.
Two expressions, two identities
The 2026 Legacy Series includes two distinct whiskeys:
- Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (91.2 proof)
- Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon (108 proof)
Each edition brings subtle yet significant variations, reflecting the team’s desire to explore the boundaries of style.
“Every year, our production team looks forward to working on these special launches of Shenk’s and Bomberger’s. They really highlight the creativity of our distillers. Although there is a common trait in each of these whiskeys from year to year, each release is a little different due to the experiments carried out at the distillery,” said Joe Magliocco.
Shenk’s 2026: balance between spice and texture
The 2026 edition of Shenk’s introduces a more pronounced rye profile, complemented by the use of a caramelized malt, which brings warm, almost gastronomic notes.
“In addition to this whiskey being a bit rye forward, we used caramel malted barley which offers a nice caramel bread pudding note that balances the beautiful spice,” explains Dan McKee, Master Distiller.
Maturation in French oak from the Vosges Forest, along with natural dried American oak, contributes to the aromatic complexity and fine texture.
Bomberger’s: intensity and depth
Bomberger’s 2026 goes in a different direction: intensity, structure and depth. Matured in two types of oak — Chinquapin and Hungarian — whiskey takes on notes of chocolate, cherries, and spices.
“Both types of oak were naturally matured and air-dried for three years, with a custom roasting and charring. It is extremely exciting to see how the integration of oak flavors can enhance the sophistication and depth of the taste journey,” said Andrea Wilson, Master of Maturation.
A dialogue between past and present
The Legacy Series is not just about continuity, it’s about interpretation. Each edition retains a recognizable identity, but adds new nuances — a delicate balance between respect for tradition and the freedom to experiment.
Available in limited edition, the two phrases have indicative prices of $110 for Shenk’s and $120 for Bomberger’s.
But beyond the price, their value lies in this duality: accessible as an idea, but built to be understood in depth.
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