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:
For example, this Middle West Cask Strength whiskey superbly integrates its toasted aromas and flavors. I’ll take this Middle West Cask Strength whiskey over any purposely “toasted” release. I can think of because these notes aren’t all barrel and new lumber.
Specially, this Middle West Cask Strength whiskey perfectly balances its toasted aromas and flavors in a clearly youthful profile. Moreover, I can’t imagine how good this Middle West Cask Strength whiskey will be at 6, 8, and maybe 10 years of age.
For instance, on the nose, the Middle West Cask Strength whiskey offers 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. Indeed, this Middle West Cask Strength literally would rock at brunch!
Additionally, the Middle West Cask Strength whiskey mirrors those toasted notes on the palate, and its fruit components become sweeter and more floral. Furthermore it’s nutty and vaguely lemony, lean, clean and crisp and pleasantly warming. Notably, the Middle West Cask Strength whiskey drinks a step below its 125.1 proof without losing its punch or pounding the palate with white pepper.
Moreover, the spice character of the Middle West Cask whiskey 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.
For instance, 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: Consequently, the brand provided Bourbon & Banter a sample of for review. Therefore, we appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.
