From the whiskey list, Michters Sour Mash is a distinctive American whiskey that sits in a category all its own, a thoughtful pour for the curious whiskey drinker in Kirkland ($15 by the pour, or $22.50 for a larger pour).
About Michters Sour Mash
The Michter’s name dates to 1753 and a Pennsylvania distillery founded by Swiss Mennonite farmer John Shenk. After the brand was revived by Joseph Magliocco and whiskey veteran Dick Newman, Michter’s settled into its Louisville, Kentucky home. The US*1 Sour Mash takes its name from the production method, where some previously fermented mash is used to start the new batch, much like a sourdough starter. Thanks to its particular grain selection, it cannot be classified strictly as a bourbon or a rye, which makes it one of the more intriguing whiskeys on the menu.
Tasting Notes
This sour mash whiskey brings an abundance of cinnamon, butter, and nutty notes with a hint of black pepper, alongside dried-fruit character and a touch of herbal tea. The finish carries roasted coffee and oak. It is a layered, slightly savory pour that rewards a little patience in the glass.
What to Pair It With
This is a sipping whiskey. Enjoy it neat, over one large cube, or in an Old Fashioned. From the Sparrow dinner menu it pairs well with the American Wagyu steaks or the Sparrow-Smoked Rack, and it makes a memorable after-dinner pour in our 21+ lounge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sour mash whiskey?
Sour mash refers to a process where some previously fermented mash is used to start the next batch, similar to a sourdough starter. Michter’s US*1 Sour Mash uses a grain selection that places it outside the strict bourbon or rye categories.
How much is a pour of Michters Sour Mash at Sparrow?
At Sparrow in Kirkland it is $15 by the pour, or $22.50 for a larger pour.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near the Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon and the Michter’s Rye. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come taste it.