Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve is a straight wheated bourbon whiskey bottled at cask strength 125.5 proof, featuring a distinctive mash bill of sweet yellow corn, soft red winter wheat, dark pumpernickel rye, and two-row barley. This single barrel release from Columbus, Ohio delivers smooth, smoky character with softly sweet undertones that showcase the craftsmanship of one of the Midwest's most innovative distilleries.

Founded in 2008 in Columbus, Ohio, Middle West Spirits has built a reputation for innovative grain-to-glass distilling that celebrates both traditional techniques and creative experimentation. Their Michelone Reserve represents the pinnacle of their wheated bourbon program, where the soft red winter wheat creates a distinctively smooth mouthfeel that sets it apart from typical rye-heavy bourbons. Each single barrel release captures the unique character of individual casks, making every bottle a singular expression of their distilling philosophy.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Caramelized corn sweetness, toasted wheat bread, vanilla bean, light campfire smoke, dark chocolate
• Palate: Honey drizzled cornbread, cinnamon spice, roasted nuts, pumpernickel richness, brown butter
• Finish: Long, with warm baking spices, oak tannins, subtle smoke, lingering wheat sweetness

Product Details

Perfect For

• Serious whiskey collectors seeking unique single barrel expressions from craft distilleries
• Cocktail experimentation where the wheated profile adds smooth richness to classic bourbon cocktails
• Neat sipping sessions with fellow bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate cask strength complexity
• Special occasions that call for distinctive American whiskey with Midwest character

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve taste like?

This wheated bourbon offers a smooth, smoky profile with softly sweet characteristics from its unique mash bill. The wheat creates a creamy mouthfeel while the pumpernickel rye adds distinctive spice notes, resulting in flavors of honey cornbread, vanilla, and warm baking spices with a long, satisfying finish.

Is Michelone Reserve good for cocktails?

Absolutely – the wheated profile makes it excellent for cocktails where you want bourbon character without overwhelming rye spice. At 125.5 proof, it holds up beautifully in Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Boulevardiers, while the smooth wheat base creates exceptional Mint Juleps and Whiskey Sours.

How should I drink Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve?

This cask strength bourbon is versatile – enjoy it neat to fully appreciate the single barrel character, add a splash of water to open up the flavors, or use it in premium cocktails. The high proof means a little goes a long way, making it perfect for sipping slowly or crafting concentrated cocktails.

What makes this different from other wheated bourbons?

Unlike mass-produced wheated bourbons, Michelone Reserve features a unique mash bill with dark pumpernickel rye that adds complexity beyond typical wheat recipes. As a single barrel release from a craft distillery, each bottle captures individual barrel character that you won't find in blended expressions.

Is Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve worth the price?

For craft bourbon enthusiasts, this offers exceptional value as a single barrel, cask strength expression from an innovative Ohio distillery. The unique mash bill, high proof, and small batch nature provide complexity and character typically found in much more expensive releases.

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