Bomberger's Declaration 2021 Bourbon

Bomberger's Declaration Bourbon. Michter's Distillery, Louisville, Kentucky — a robust Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled at 108 proof, honoring the legacy of the original Bomberger's Distillery in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania — which operated in the 1800s, became known as Michter's in the 20th century, and is recognized as America's first whiskey distillery. Each annual vintage is released under the same production standards as the broader Michter's program.

Bomberger's Declaration takes its name and identity from the original distillery that John Shenk founded in 1753, which later passed to A.H. Hirsch and the Bomberger family before becoming Michter's. By releasing Bomberger's Declaration alongside Shenk's Homestead each year, Michter's honors both pillars of that founding distillery's lineage: the sour mash whiskey tradition of John Shenk's original operation (Shenk's Homestead) and the bolder, higher-proof bourbon style associated with the Bomberger's name.

At 108 proof, Bomberger's Declaration sits at a higher proof point than the standard Michter's core expressions, delivering a broad spectrum of distinctive flavors with the boldness that comes from an elevated bottling strength. The annual release program means each vintage is a specific, vintage-dated expression that cannot be restocked.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Bold Kentucky bourbon character at 108 proof — caramel, vanilla, and warm grain spice with the elevated concentration that higher proof delivers.
• Palate: A broad spectrum of distinctive flavors — toffee, dried fruit, baking spice, and the full-bodied richness that 108 proof Kentucky straight bourbon produces.
• Finish: Warm and satisfying with the bold character of a high-proof Kentucky straight bourbon.

Specs

• Producer: Michter's Distillery, Louisville, Kentucky
• Heritage: Honors the Bomberger's Distillery, Schaefferstown, PA — formerly Shenk's Distillery (est. 1753), America's first whiskey distillery
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• ABV: 54% (108 proof)
• Size: 750ml

Browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Bomberger's distillery heritage? John Shenk founded a distillery in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania in 1753 — recognized as America's first whiskey distillery. It later passed to the Bomberger family (operating as Bomberger's Distillery in the 1800s) before becoming known as Michter's in the 20th century. Both Bomberger's Declaration and Shenk's Homestead honor that founding lineage.
• Why is Bomberger's bottled at 108 proof? The 108 proof bottling reflects the bold, full-strength character associated with the Bomberger's name and the higher-proof tradition of historically significant American bourbon.