Every now and then, a distillery comes along that doesn’t just make whiskey — it makes whiskey with identity. Not sourced, not generic, not something you’ve tasted a hundred times before. Whiskey that feels rooted in a place, in the grain, and in the people who craft it.

Middle West Spirits is one of those distilleries.

Founded in 2008 in Columbus, Ohio, Middle West Spirits came onto the scene long before the phrase “craft whiskey boom” really meant anything. Instead of leaning on sourced barrels or standard mash bills, they set out to showcase Ohio-grown grain and elevate the unique heritage of the Midwest through careful distilling and thoughtful maturation. They partnered early with local farmers, built slow and deliberate production practices, and put real emphasis on grain quality and grain character — something you can clearly taste in the glass.

Their lineup today includes bourbon, rye, wheat whiskey, vodka, and gin — but for whiskey fans, the story really centers around four signature expressions that showcase just how versatile and layered their spirits can be:

• Dark Pumpernickel Rye
• Straight Wheat Whiskey
• Michelone Reserve Cask Strength Bourbon
• Double Cask Collection — Ported Pumpernickel Rye

I had the chance to sit down with all four — thoughtfully, slowly, and side-by-side — and what struck me most was how cohesive yet distinct these whiskies are. They share a DNA — rich grain depth, layered sweetness, and a grounded sense of balance — but each bottle stands on its own as something worth exploring.

Let’s dig into them one by one.

Dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey

Middle West’s Dark Pumpernickel Rye isn’t your typical spice-blast rye. Instead of leaning purely into mint, dill, and pepper, this one highlights the deep, earthy, almost savory character of pumpernickel grain. Think of the bread basket at a great steakhouse — that dark, slightly sweet loaf loaded with caraway, toasted grain, and warm spice — and you’re headed in the right direction.

Specs (Approximate):

• Proof: 96
• Age: 4 years
• Style: Pumpernickel rye-forward whiskey
• Price Range: ~$46.99

Nose

The nose is layered and inviting — dark bread crust, cocoa dust, toasted rye, clove, and just a suggestion of molasses sweetness. There’s spice here, but it’s rounded and warm rather than sharp.

Palate

On the palate, the pumpernickel grain really shines. You get deep, grain-driven flavor — caraway, cocoa nibs, roasted nuts, dark honey, and a little espresso bitterness that plays beautifully against the sweetness. It’s savory-sweet in a very natural, grounded way.

Finish

Medium-long, warming, with lingering dark bread, baking spice, and a touch of oak.

This is the kind of rye that rewards slow sipping. It isn’t loud — it’s characterful.

Straight Wheat Whiskey

Wheat whiskey doesn’t always get the spotlight — but when it’s done right, it can be soft, elegant, and incredibly easy to love. Middle West’s Straight Wheat Whiskey leans into exactly that profile.

Specs (Approximate):

• Proof: 92
• Age: 4 years
• Style: Straight wheat whiskey
• Price Range: ~$46.99

Nose

Light and welcoming — vanilla cream, baked apple, pear skin, soft caramel, and sweet grain.

Palate

The palate stays gentle and rounded — buttery pastry, vanilla bean, honey, light toffee, and orchard fruit. It has that plush wheat mouthfeel that almost glides across the tongue. Oak is supportive rather than dominant.

Finish

Clean, mildly sweet, and softly grain-driven.

This is a whiskey that won’t shout for attention — but it’s incredibly drinkable, especially for those who gravitate toward softer bourbon profiles or Irish whiskey.

Michelone Reserve Cask Strength Bourbon

Now we move into the heavy-hitter territory.

The Michelone Reserve line is Middle West’s flagship bourbon, and the Cask Strength version lets that four-grain profile really flex. With the proof cranked up, the richness deepens, the complexity opens, and the experience becomes much more immersive.

Specs (Approximate):

• Proof: 122.2
• Age: typically 4+ years
• Style: Four-grain bourbon at cask strength
• Price Range: ~$69.99

Nose

Rich and bold — dark caramel, brown sugar, cherry syrup, toasted oak, cinnamon, and baking spice. There’s also a subtle cocoa and nutty layer that adds depth.

Palate

This one arrives with weight and presence. Think caramelized sugars, toffee, cherry cola, roasted nuts, vanilla custard, baking spice, and a bit of dark chocolate. The proof intensifies the flavor without blowing out the balance — the hallmark of a well-made cask strength bourbon.

Finish

Long, warm, and layered — caramel, oak spice, and lingering sweetness.

This is the bottle in the lineup for people who love big bourbon with big flavor.

Double Cask Collection — Ported Pumpernickel Rye

Finally, we come to the most romantic whiskey in the lineup — the Ported Pumpernickel Rye from the Double Cask Collection.

Here, the already-distinct pumpernickel rye is finished in French tawny port wine casks, layering rich fruit over that deep grain profile.

Specs (Approximate):

• Proof: 99.5
• Age: around 5 years (including finishing)
• Style: Port-finished pumpernickel rye
• Price Range: ~$99

Nose

A beautiful fusion — dark cherry, plum, chocolate, toasted rye bread, vanilla, and red fruit jam.

Palate

This is where the port finishing really shines. You get a silky blend of rye spice and fruit sweetness — cherry reduction, berry preserves, cocoa, pumpernickel bread, honey, and warm spice. The port doesn’t overwhelm the rye — it complements it.

Finish

Long, elegant, slightly drying, with lingering fruit and cocoa.

This is one of those whiskeys that feels polished and complete. A real standout.

Final Thoughts

What impressed me most tasting through these four bottles is that Middle West Spirits has a true house style — deep grain flavor, thoughtful balance, and a refusal to be generic. Whether it’s rye, wheat, or bourbon, you always feel like you’re drinking something crafted intentionally — not mass-produced whiskey wearing a craft label.

And now — let’s wrap it up cleanly.

Bourbinsane Breakdown — Middle West Spirits

Quick specs, pricing, and my scores for each bottle featured above.

Quick Takeaways

Dark Pumpernickel Rye — 4 / 5
A savory-sweet rye with depth and identity. Perfect for rye fans who appreciate grain character beyond just spice.

Straight Wheat Whiskey — 3.5 / 5
Soft, rounded, and easy-drinking. A great showcase of wheat, especially for those who like gentle whiskey profiles.

Michelone Reserve Cask Strength — 4 / 5
Bold, rich, and full-flavored — everything you want from cask strength bourbon when it’s done right.

Ported Pumpernickel Rye — 4.3 / 5
Elegant, layered, and beautifully finished. The most refined whiskey in the lineup.

Overall Lineup Score: 4 / 5

Middle West Spirits proves that grain matters, place matters, and thoughtful distilling shows up in the glass. If you’re looking to explore American craft whiskey that actually delivers complexity, identity, and a sense of place — this lineup is absolutely worth your time.