Bomberger's Declaration 2019 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Vol.54% Cl.70

Bomberger's Declaration 2019: Michter's Legacy Meets Chinquapin Oak.

When we talk about Michter's, we're talking about one of America's most respected and historic distilleries.

However, there's a line in their portfolio that goes beyond simple branding to tap into the deep roots of American whiskey history: Bomberger's Declaration.

Today, we're focusing on one of the most interesting and discussed releases of recent years: the 2019 Release.

A bourbon that's not just a tribute to the past, but a successful experiment in the art of maturation.

Before analyzing the Bomberger's Declaration 2019 bourbon, it's important to understand the label.

The name "Bomberger's" is a tribute to Bomberger's Distillery, formerly known as Shenk's, a Pennsylvania distillery that rose to fame throughout the United States in the 19th century before becoming what we know today as Michter's.

This bottle therefore represents the company's desire to honor its heritage, carrying on the tradition of Kentucky Straight Bourbon with artisanal methods.

The Uniqueness of the 2019 Release: Chinquapin Oak.

What clearly distinguishes the 2019 edition from other annual releases, and from most bourbons on the market, is the wood used.

While the base is a classic Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the Michter's team, led by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson, chose to age a significant portion of this whiskey in Chinquapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) barrels.

This type of oak, native to central and eastern North America, is known for imparting very different notes than classic American white oak.

Chinquapin oak, due to its characteristics, is known as the Mitzunara of the United States. Like the famous Japanese oak, it is difficult to work with but yields many delicate aromas and flavors.

For the 2019 release, the wood was air-aged for a full 36 months (3 years) before being toasted and charred. This long open-air drying process breaks down the harshest tannins, instead concentrating rich, spicy flavors and notes of dark chocolate.

Special Features: Small Batch, using 3-year-aged Chinquapin oak barrels.

Bomberger's Declaration 2019 is not an "everyday" bourbon.

It's a meditative whiskey, complex and structured, demonstrating how careful wood selection can transform an excellent spirit into a memorable experience.

For collectors and lovers of "two-faced" bourbon—capable of being sweet and spicy, historic and innovative—this bottle is a real highlight.

The Chinquapin oak lends a distinctive character that elevates it above the rest, making the 2019 release a modern classic in Michter's history.

Tasting Notes:

Color: Poured into the glass, Bomberger's 2019 presents a deep amber color, almost mahogany, which hints at its complexity.

On the Nose: The impact is intense yet welcoming. Notes of burnt caramel and toffee are immediately apparent, followed by a wave of dark fruit (plums and black cherries).

Chinquapin oak emerges with an earthy, leathery note, accompanied by a subtle hint of sweet wood smoke.

On the Palate: At 54 proof, the palate is powerful and oily, completely enveloping the palate. The entry is dominated by high-calorie dark chocolate and berries.

Next, spices explode: cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper, balanced by an underlying sweetness reminiscent of molasses. The oak lends a firm yet never astringent tannic structure, adding notes of toasted nuts.

The Finish: The finish is long, warm, and persistent. It leaves a hint of dried vanilla, toasted wood, and a hint of spicy spice that immediately invites you to take another sip.