Toffee | Roasted squash | Rye bread | Baking spices | Seasoned oak

Cinnamon bark | Rye spice | Burnt caramel | Vanilla

Brown sugar | Molasses | Vanilla extract | Seasoned oak | Dry oak

Founded in 2008, Middle West Spirits is based out of Columbus, Ohio, and states that they’re “focused on elevating the distinctive flavors of the Ohio River Valley.” The company produces a core offering of bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskey, and recently announced a new barrel proof version of each. Like the company’s sister releases, Dark Pumpernickel Cask Strength Rye, and Wheat Whiskey Cask Strength, Middle West Spirits Cask Strength Straight Wheated Bourbon ups the proof, which has a direct result on the whisky’s impact.  

With a string of noteworthy Cask Finished Series releases and new cask strength versions of their trademark pumpernickel rye and now wheated bourbon, Middle West Spirits has been doing well making a name for themselves over the past year. Along with their recent releases, Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon has a notable fullness to it. It’s bigger (and darker) than you’d expect given its age, though that doesn’t necessarily make up for everything. It’s hard to hide age, and it's the main shortcoming of this bourbon. Though it tastes older than it actually is, there is a touch of harshness present, which I’d like to see rounded out and improved in future batches. This will come in time, but as of now, Middle West Spirits Cask Strength Straight Wheated Bourbon is showing excellent promise.