Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Wheated Bourbon Cask Strength

The nose is gentle, a wonderful mix of ripe fruit and creamy vanilla with a perfect amount of charred oak balance it out. The mashbill features sweet yellow corn, soft red winter wheat, dark pumpernickel rye and two row barley. The unique choice of grains really shows in the nose, as there is a soft spiciness that is somewhat reminiscent of white pepper, while the barley in the wheat offer up an immense serving of creme brulee and ripe fruit. The charred oak, along with the slightest hints of smoke, keep this from coming across as too sweet. The palate is dry yet rich, that completely envelops the mouth with a burst of pepperiness, creamy vanilla, ripe fruit and charred oak. It is deliciously smooth considering the fact that it is 63% alcohol, with the intensity of the creamy notes being enough to tame the spicier notes. This is wonderfully bold without being overpowering. This is essentially vanilla custard with oak and pepper and it is simply wonderful. The finish is medium long with a pepperiness that keeps the corners of the mouth tingling while delicious notes of creamy vanilla and oak slowly fade with every chew. This is a perfect example of high proof yet incredibly smooth whiskey. There is no age statement however and must have had a good several years for to be this intense. This is the last that I have of this particular single barrel and I greatly look forward to trying more.

There are a LOT of bad bourbons out there. And there are many bad, hot and immature wheaters. This is a tremendous value in today’s market. If you cannot make the Weller drop, I strongly recommend you consider this hidden gem. It’s a bit thinner than Antique or SR, but the sweet/spice balance is terrific. The oaky, tannic taste is absent. It’s a wonderfully smooth and enjoyable poor. Kudos to Middle West for outstanding, meticulous work for a younger bourbon. Can’t wait to see this with some age!

Central Ohio Whiskey Society pick: “Four Grains of the Apocalypse.” This one is awesome. In their description, they mentioned that this may compete with Stagg Jr, ECBP, etc., and I was skeptical. After opening this up and letting it breathe for about 20 minutes - holy shit, this is good. Sweet and robust, some light spice with a little fruit sneaking in. I’m very impressed. I’m considering going and buying another before it’s gone.

Nose: Butterscotch, ethanol, honey, caramel, leather, hint of overripe banana Palette: creamy, white pepper, honey, baking spices, vanilla Finish: fairly long, surprisingly drying for as little oak presence, a bit of tobacco and caramel, white sugar, vanilla showed up back half of pour

oak, toasted walnut, vanilla, and dried apricot, with heavy floral tones like honeysuckle on the back end.

Extremely smooth, notes of caramel, toffee, and cocoa. Finish is leathery. Lingers without being offensive