Michter’s Distillery Unveils 2026 Legacy Series Releases: Shenk’s Homestead and Bomberger’s Declaration Return This April

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Michter’s Distillery is set to introduce the 2026 editions of its highly anticipated Legacy Series this April, marking the return of Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey and Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Produced in limited quantities, the annual releases continue Michter’s tradition of honoring historic roots while pushing the boundaries of American whiskey craftsmanship.

The Legacy Series draws inspiration from a lineage that dates back to 1753, when Swiss Mennonite farmer John Shenk established a distillery in Pennsylvania. That original operation would later be known as Bomberger’s Distillery in the 1800s before ultimately becoming Michter’s Distillery in the mid‑20th century. Today, the Louisville‑based distillery channels that heritage into modern expressions that celebrate both continuity and innovation.

“Each year our production team looks forward to working on these special releases of Shenk’s and Bomberger’s,” said Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco. “They really highlight the creativity of our distillers. While there is a commonality in each of these whiskeys from year to year, every release is a bit different because of experimentation done at the distillery.”

Shenk’s Homestead 2026: Rye‑Forward Balance and Thoughtful Oak

The 2026 edition of Shenk’s Homestead reflects a deliberate balance between spice, sweetness, and oak influence. According to Michter’s Master Distiller Dan McKee, the latest release leans slightly rye‑forward, complemented by a carefully chosen malt component and a nuanced barrel program.

“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,” McKee explained. “The cooperage we use includes some 24‑month air dried French oak from the Vosges forest as well as some 60‑month air dried American oak, and this helps impart a special character to this Shenk’s release.”

Bottled at 91.2 proof (45.6% ABV), Shenk’s Homestead carries a U.S. suggested retail price of $110.

Bomberger’s Declaration 2026: Deepening Complexity Through Oak Innovation

Bomberger’s Declaration 2026 continues its reputation for bold structure and layered depth, driven by a distinctive oak strategy overseen by Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to work on Shenk’s and Bomberger’s with Dan and the team at Michter’s,” Wilson said. “The prospect is not just to try something new, but to explore how aroma, depth, flavor, complexity and finish can be influenced through changing variables to enhance the drinking experience.”

She added that this year’s Bomberger’s release builds on its signature wood profile while introducing an additional dimension.

“This year’s Bomberger’s again brings delight with the whiskey’s hallmark Chinquapin Oak coupled with the addition of some Hungarian Oak thereby creating an intriguing, rich chocolate decadence around the cherry and spice attributes synonymous with Chinquapin. Both types of oak were naturally seasoned and air dried for three years with a custom toast and char. It is super exciting to see how the integration of oak flavors can enhance the sophistication and depth of the tasting journey.”

Bomberger’s Declaration is bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV) and has a U.S. suggested retail price of $120.

A Legacy of Recognition and Craft

Michter’s continued focus on quality and peak‑maturity aging has earned global recognition. In October 2025, the brand made history as the first whiskey to be named The World’s Most Admired Whiskey for three consecutive years by an international academy of voters convened by Drinks International. [pbexpressliquor.com]

With a portfolio spanning bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey, Michter’s remains committed to producing traditional American whiskeys without compromise—each release guided by patience, experimentation, and respect for its origins.

For more information, visit www.michters.com and follow Michter’s on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

SOURCE: Michter’s Distillery

via Foodie PH | PR Newswire