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Wheat Whiskey Reviews

Middle West Spirits Cask Strength Wheat Whiskey: Wheat Done Right

This whiskey is all about toasted aromas and flavors being superbly integrated. I'll take this whiskey over any purposely "toasted" release I can think of because those notes aren't all barrel and new lumber.

Steve Coomes

• 2 min read
Middle West Spirits Cask Strength Wheat Whiskey: Wheat Done Right

BOTTLE DETAILS

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Fans of any whiskey, fans of majority-wheat mash bills and wheated bourbons. High-proof is where wheated mash bills really come alive for me, so this is exciting.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes. It's a well-made whiskey with tons of flavor and character. If, at 4 years old, it's this good, I can't wait to taste it as it ages.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle all day. You support a craft distillery and a get a bottle you'd be proud to share. I'll say it again, bottle all day.

OVERALL: This whiskey is all about toasted aromas and flavors being superbly integrated. I'll take this whiskey over any purposely "toasted" release I can think of because these notes aren't all barrel and new lumber. Toasted aromas and flavors here are perfectly balanced in what's clearly a youthful whiskey. I can't imagine how good this will be at 6, 8 and maybe 10 years of age.

On the nose is toasted wheat bread with orange marmalade and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Again, given that it's just 4 years old, it's not an aroma gift that keeps on giving, but "breakfast whiskey" is pretty much what I get, and I'm absolutely fine with that. This literally would rock at brunch!

Those toasted notes are mirrored on the palate, and the fruit components become sweeter and more floral. It's nutty and vaguely lemony, lean, clean and crisp and pleasantly warming. It drinks a step below its 125.1 proof without losing its punch or pounding the palate with white pepper. The spice character is focused and delicious, leaning toward cinnamon toast with brown sugar. In just a few short years, this spirit wrings great flavor from the wood, which really makes me look forward to what I hope will be subsequent releases.

Tasting such great whiskies coming from smaller distilleries always excites me. And whiskies coming from Middle West are among the best I've had from that segment of the market.

The distillery is only 3.5 hours away from me in Columbus, Ohio. I think it's time to pay it a visit.

BRAND NOTES

NOSE: Aromas of brioche, vanilla, cinnamon, and aged leather

PALATE: Subtle sweetness, dried cherry, nutmeg/ medium-bodied

FINISH: Lingering dark fruits, toasted caramel, and oak

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.