July 28, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Wayne and I have seen a few people mention Middle West Spirits out of Columbus, Ohio and have heard very good things about what they are producing. The notion of a rye whiskey made with dark pumpernickel rye was very intriguing and when we had an opportunity to get a bottle online, we did.
Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.
Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel – Straight Rye Whiskey
Mashbill – Dark pumpernickel rye, Ohio soft red winter wheat, Yellow Corn, 2-row barley (specifics unknown)
Age – Minimum of 4 Years (per website)
Proof – 96
Price Paid – $54.99 (including tax)
Appearance – Amber with nice legs.
Aroma – Rye grass, honeysuckle, cinnamon, slight vanilla, and black licorice.
Tasted Neat – Good mouthfeel. Rye grass, cardamom, light cinnamon, honey, white pepper, black licorice, ginger, a hint of dark fruit maybe fig.
Finish – Medium finish with white pepper, cinnamon, rye spices, a hints of mint, oak, and black licorice.
Tasted with dried cranberry – Very fruity/fig with a lot of rye but less pepper.
Tasted with a pecan – Smokey and a lot of oak, a hint of leather and vanilla, and rye toast.
Tasted with dark chocolate – Dark chocolate with a hint of mint tea, and rye spices on the finish.
Discussion and Final Notes
This dark pumpernickel makes a very nice rye. However, we really had hoped to find more of the pumpernickel and its darkness to create a more distinct flavor profile. From that standpoint, it was somewhat disappointing, but a nice rye whiskey, nevertheless.
The Ohio soft red winter wheat component could be what is lightening the rye aspects of the pour. Hard to know for sure and this is just supposition. Also, we believe that additional time in the barrel could really enhance some of the “hint” notes we identified or perhaps a higher proof point, such as of 105 versus 96, might for the overall flavor profile. We would love to try this at cask strength! I noted on their website that both their cask strength and single barrel options have garnered awards.
This is a good bottle of rye, and we enjoyed our first experience with it. If it had been a blind tasting and we had no idea about the type of rye, that may have influenced our palates in a different way. We are happy that we have it. If we see future bottles that are somewhat older or cask strength, we will certainly want to see if it creates a different experience.
Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne
Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Straight Rye Whiskey Spirit Requirements
Rye Whiskey Basic Requirements – Rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye. It must be distilled at 160 proof or less. It then must be placed into a new, charred oak container at a proof of 125 or below. Straight rye whiskey is a subcategory of rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels and doesn’t contain any additives. If aged less than four years, the label must include an age statement. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Rye Whiskey.
NOTE: The whiskey in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
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