Some whiskeys announce themselves with fanfare; others prefer a quieter entrance. Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023 vs CALI Distillery Three Rivers Rye, Riptide Rye Whiskeys: Which Rye Should You Buy? belongs firmly to the latter school.
Choosing between Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023 and CALI Distillery Three Rivers Rye, Riptide Rye Whiskeys can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023 | CALI Distillery Three Rivers Rye, Riptide Rye Whiskeys | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | is allocated these days | ) Tasting Notes: CALI Distillery Riptide Rye Whiskey Vital stats: Mash bill: 93% rye |
| Type | Rye | Rye |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 54.45% ABV) on average, sample bottle was 109 | 95.5 proof |
| Price | $120750.00 | $32.99 |
| Rating | 9/10 | 3/10 |
Nose
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023: Like a dessert, sweet aromas of candied pecans and cherries explode from the glass. After letting it breath I get that distinctive rye note. The alcohol is present but doesnt overpower the glass. I found hints of mint, char, and smoke hiding with rich oak. The sweet notes are still present but now a bit more caramel forward. Its a complex nose that doesnt overpower.
CALI Distillery Three Rivers Rye, Riptide Rye Whiskeys: Rye bread. Notes of rye bread and ethanol.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023: A burst of rye spice comes forward with touches of mint we get the earthy tones famous to rye without stunning the senses. The mid palate has more of the sweet notes from the beginning. I found caramel, bananas foster, dark cherries, and a hint of licorice to round it out. The finish is long as the high proof clings to the palate. The spice comes back to blend with the sugars of the mid palate.
CALI Distillery Three Rivers Rye, Riptide Rye Whiskeys: This whiskey has flavors of mellow rye spice and hints of dark chocolate. A medium-length finish delivers citrus notes at the end. Score: 3/5 Riptide Rye Cask Strength (image via CALI Distillery) Tasting Notes: CALI Distillery Riptide Rye Whiskey Vital stats: Mash bill: 93% rye, and 7% malted barley, 118 proof, SRP around $32.99 Appearance: Honey Nose: Notes of rye bread and ethanol. Palate: This is similar to CALI Distillerys other rye, Three Rivers Rye, but on steroids. The extra proof really brings out the sweet caramel and chocolate and mellows the rye spice. A nice medium finish as well. There is a little burn due to the proof and young age, as well as little black pepper throughout. I dont notice much oak. Score: 3.5/5 Final Thoughts: The Three Rivers Rye Whiskey is a young but enj
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023: Comments: 108.9 proof (54
CALI Distillery Three Rivers Rye, Riptide Rye Whiskeys: Comments: Mash bill: 93% rye, and 7% malted barley, 95.5 proof, SRP around $32
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
From a pure value standpoint, CALI Distillery Three Rivers Rye, Riptide Rye Whiskeys edges ahead, delivering strong quality at $32.99 versus Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023's $120750.00.
The significant price gap between these two makes value an especially important factor in this comparison.
The Verdict
In this matchup, Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023 takes the crown with a rating of 9/10 compared to CALI Distillery Three Rivers Rye, Riptide Rye Whiskeys's 3/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, CALI Distillery Three Rivers Rye, Riptide Rye Whiskeys is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of CALI Distillery Three Rivers Rye, Riptide Rye Whiskeys appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
