Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Wheated Bourbon

My reluctance towards this (and most "craft" bourbons, until I discovered and thoroughly enjoyed Tom's Foolery) stems from when OYO products first appeared locally. Subsequently, a brewery released one of my favorite imperial stouts of 2020, Barrel Aged Batch 300, which had been aged in barrels previously holding this bourbon. I could no longer disregard this bottle. I regret my earlier hesitation. The aroma is both complex and focused. It's velvety (if scents can possess texture, but a bourbon that evokes synesthesia is already a plus), offering notes of cream pie, shoe leather, Cracker Jacks, and cedar in beautifully balanced proportions. Cedar notes lead the palate, complemented by caramel nougat and a subtle, lightly charred smokiness that gracefully transitions into a finish that is, dare I say it, smooth. An initial positive impression has grown into a sustained appreciation as I've spent more time with this bourbon over the last week. I will keep a bottle of this on my shelf as long as it's available and will pay more attention to Middle West in the future.

The experience began with a promotional offer... "Learn to make whiskey." A friend and I were gifted this by our partners as a Christmas present and attended a session involving making mash, tasting profiles, and taking home bottles, including this one. It's an okay whiskey, but never truly remarkable. The narrative surrounding it is likely more captivating than the drink itself. It has a pleasant logo, a good family history, and agreeable people involved. While they've since produced some commendable spirits I keep on hand, their specialty is vodkas, and this reserve whiskey is merely part of their regular offerings for me. It's raw, woody, comparable to Evan Williams Single Barrel. It possesses harsh polyphenols that evoke cleaning agents. It's a decent whiskey, but not their finest. Considering the price, it's not something I regularly purchase. The last bottle I acquired was in 2014 for a bachelor party whiskey competition. If you haven't participated in such an event, I recommend it.

It truly appeals to me with its oak, dried fruit, and particularly the pumpernickel and brown sugar finish that remains on your palate. I believe this pour doesn't receive enough acclaim, and the professional rating is surprisingly low, in my opinion. I generally agree with the assessments. When I truly adore a pour, I typically purchase a backup bottle. This one might warrant two!

I'm a significant enthusiast of Wheated Bourbon! This one's nose has brown sugar and fruit. On the palate, it's a delightful combination of dates, figs, and a maple crème brûlée. There's no harshness, but it's certainly an easily enjoyed sipper! I acquired one bottle during a trip back home and regret not getting more.

Batch 75. Copper hue. The aroma suggests vanilla, honey, and peanut, similar to a Michter's nose. It's not very sweet, but the honey and toast flavors emerge in the mid-palate, with a great body, a slightly thick texture, and a medium-length finish. A distinctive flavor profile.

Batch No. 75. Acquired on 5/25/2023 for the bourbon share at the Charlestown SP campout. Quite good, I would likely buy it again. I will explore some of their other offerings based on this bottling.