Cinnamon | Allspice | Baking spices | Aged leather | Honey

Burnt brown sugar | Nutmeg | Clove | Cinnamon | Vanilla | Caramel sauce

Baking spices | Nutty undertone | Toasted caramel | Lingering spice mix

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. Introduced in October, this will be one of three new permanent barrel proof whiskeys for the brand.

Wheat whiskey remains a fairly under-produced American whiskey style, with Heaven Hill and Old Elk being a few companies to establish strong products in the wheat whiskey domain. Because of its inherent astringency, wheat whiskey is difficult to get entirely right. Middle West comes out guns blazing with this barrel proof wheat whiskey, delivering a balanced sip that manages to join the likes of the other well-tenured barrel proof wheat whiskey makers on its first round. It has all kinds of sweet notes, but integrates them with an agreeable amount of spice throughout the sip. Aged for around 4 years, it’s quite impressive as-is. But given some additional time in barrels, this wheat whiskey could gain more depth and complexity, making for a truly remarkable wheat whiskey.