Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye

Aroma - Quite pleasing. I lack experience with pumpernickel bread, so its scent is unknown to me. Abundant notes of caramel, toffee, and apple, along with gingerbread. I'm detecting more sweetness here than typical rye characteristics (like cinnamon, mint, etc.). There's a faint hint of baking spices, reminiscent of a Fall candle. As it evolves, some darker fruit notes emerge. Once again, this is lovely. I'm truly enjoying this level of complexity. Taste - Wow. The viscosity is the first thing that strikes me. Exceptionally good. While I wish the finish extended a bit longer, it's still solid. Regarding the flavors, I perceive an interesting bread note, which I can only assume is that pumpernickel. It's very distinctive, and I find it quite captivating. A subtle hint of bubblegum accompanies the finish, along with just a touch of cinnamon and baking spices. The aroma is significantly more intricate than the taste. However, that's perfectly fine because the overall balance is excellent. Overall - This is certainly a spirit to keep on hand. Its uniqueness makes it drink like a rye designed for bourbon enthusiasts. I found it for $35; it typically retails for $40 but drinks closer to the $45-$50 range. Score: 4.35

Nose: Rye, vanilla, caramel, tart apples, something earthy (perhaps the rye?), licorice. Palate: Medium to thin consistency. Rye, orange oils, tart apples again, vanilla, a little heavy on the ethanol for its proof, caramel, nutmeg, cinnamon, barrel char. Finish: Ethanol, rye, orange oils, licorice, tart apples. Overall: Really enjoyable and slightly unlike most ryes I've had. I suspect this is due to the dark pumpernickel rye they utilize. While the tasting notes aren't overly wild, I seldom encounter tart apples in a bourbon or rye; that's something I typically associate with Scotches. The only drawback for me is that it drinks a bit hotter than its stated proof. I imagine this is due to age, but I commend Middle West for attempting something a bit different without trying to reinvent the wheel. While I often consume this neat, it's exceptional in a whiskey sour or a sazerac.

Deep and rich, starting with caramel, then rich cocoa, hints of earth, char, oak, raisin, and prune. It evolves to almost herbal notes like dill. The finish is medium and smooth with a chewy spiced character. An awesome, rich, and full whiskey.

The pumpernickel gives this whiskey a lingering, softer spice rye note in my opinion. With some additional bread, caramel, green apple, oak, toffee, and vanilla on my palate. Really enjoyed this offering, so I purchased a bottle the same day. Cheers!!

Not very complex but very solid. Rye spice stays in your mouth for awhile but no real burn. Plays with the line between spicy and sweet. Definitely tastes low proof (relatively) but don’t regret getting this. Ohio represent!

The nose is very appealing for those who appreciate that rye note. Surprisingly, the palate was soft, a little too soft, and none of the spices and peppery notes that I was expecting showed up. The finish is soft.