The Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey is a 125.5-proof single barrel bourbon crafted in Columbus, Ohio, featuring a smooth, smoky, and softly sweet flavor profile built on a foundation of sweet yellow corn, soft red winter wheat, dark pumpernickel rye, and two-row barley. This cask strength expression represents the pinnacle of Middle West Spirits' craft whiskey program, bottled at natural barrel proof to showcase the full character of their carefully selected single barrels.

Since 2008, Middle West Spirits has been pioneering craft distillation in the heart of Ohio, transforming locally sourced grains into exceptional American whiskeys. Their Michelone Reserve represents the distillery's commitment to traditional bourbon-making techniques while embracing the unique terroir of central Ohio. The wheated mash bill creates a softer, more approachable bourbon character, while the high proof delivers intensity and complexity that speaks to the quality of their barrel selection and patient maturation process.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Sweet corn syrup, vanilla bean, toasted wheat bread, light oak smoke, honey drizzled biscuits
• Palate: Smooth honey sweetness, charred oak, dark pumpernickel bread, warm baking spices, caramelized brown sugar
• Finish: Long and warming with soft wheat character, lingering smoke, dark rye spice, and sweet vanilla cream

Product Details

Perfect For

• Neat Sipping: Best enjoyed straight to appreciate the full cask strength character and wheat-forward complexity
• Whiskey Collectors: Single barrel craft bourbon from Ohio's pioneering distillery with unique batch numbering
• Special Occasions: High-proof premium bourbon perfect for celebrations and memorable moments
• Craft Spirits Exploration: Discovering exceptional American whiskey made outside traditional bourbon regions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve taste like?

This wheated bourbon delivers smooth honey sweetness balanced with charred oak and warm spices, featuring the soft, approachable character that wheat brings to the mash bill while maintaining complexity from the pumpernickel rye and high proof bottling. The single barrel selection ensures each bottle offers unique nuances while maintaining the distillery's signature smooth, smoky, and softly sweet profile.

Is Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve good for cocktails?

At 125.5 proof, this bourbon works excellently in spirit-forward cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Manhattans where you want the whiskey character to shine through. The wheated mash bill provides smoothness that balances the high proof, while the honey and vanilla notes complement classic cocktail ingredients beautifully.

How should I drink Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve?

This cask strength bourbon is best enjoyed neat or with a small splash of water to open up the flavors, allowing you to experience the full complexity of the single barrel selection. The high proof rewards slow sipping, letting the wheat-forward sweetness and oak complexity develop on your palate over time.

What makes Middle West Spirits different from Kentucky bourbon?

Middle West Spirits brings Ohio terroir to bourbon making, using locally sourced grains including their distinctive dark pumpernickel rye alongside traditional sweet corn and soft red winter wheat. Their Columbus location and craft approach since 2008 creates a unique regional expression that showcases what exceptional bourbon can be made outside traditional bourbon country.

Is Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve worth the price?

This single barrel, cask strength wheated bourbon represents exceptional value for craft American whiskey, offering the complexity and character typically found in much more expensive bottles. The combination of unique Ohio provenance, careful barrel selection, and high-proof bottling delivers a premium drinking experience that showcases the quality possible from American craft distilleries.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.