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Please read and drink responsibly.
Classification: Whiskey Finished in Napoleon Calvados Casks
Company: Middle West Spirits
Distillery: Middle West Spirits
Release Date: October 2024
Proof: 123.8
Age: 5 Years
Mashbill: Unspecified blend of dark pumpernickel rye, Ohio soft red winter wheat, yellow corn, and 2-row malted barley
Color: Dark Walnut
MSRP: $130 / 750mL (2024)
Chocolate mousse | Spiced chai tea | Stewed apples | Barrel char | Rich
Dark chocolate ganache | Sweet charred oak | Stewed apples | Smoky cinnamon slurry
Baking spices | Cinnamon | Molasses | Slight wood tannins
A perfect storm of a rich base whiskey combined with a harmonious finishing barrel that results in a flavorful union.
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 bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskey, along with barrel finished versions of each. In order to produce this distillery-only release, the company blended together 4 year old Middle West Dark Pumpernickel Rye and Wheat Whiskeys and then finished it in Napoleon Calvados casks for another 1-2 years. Middle West Spirits is quickly making a name for themselves thanks to their Dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey and their Soft Red Wheat Whiskey. It certainly makes a ton of sense to combine the two and finish it in an uncommon barrel finish, as the result speaks for itself.
The whiskey opens with a lavish amount of rich chocolate mousse that is nicely offset by spiced chai tea and sweet stewed apples. Before even getting to the rich barrel char, these three opening scents form a blockbuster aroma. This flavor intensity continues into the palate with dark chocolate ganache creating a commanding presence immediately. More charred oak and stewed apples follow, combining to form a smoky cinnamon slurry. The finish stays the course, offering hefty amounts of baking spices, cinnamon, and molasses.
Middle West Spirits has been quietly tinkering under everyone’s radar and has unexpectedly unleashed an impressive array of limited edition Double Cask Collection releases. This Napoleon Calvados Cask-Finished Whiskey is immensely flavorful, and its particular flavor profile makes for a wonderfully rich and warm fall sipper. This is one finished whiskey where I feel the base whiskey is doing more of the work than the finishing barrel. The Napoleon Calvados casks nicely enhance what is already there and add just enough apple flavor to bring this whiskey together into a memorable pour.
