Middle West Spirits of Columbus, Ohio, recently announced the launch of its new Double Cask Collection whiskies, each of which embodies distinctive characteristics of both casks and the terroir of its origin grain. Now available in 32 U.S. markets, Middle West Spirits Double Cask Collection features three premium craft spirits, including, Sherry Cask-Finished Bourbon, Oloroso Wheat Whiskey and Ported Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey. Released just in time for holiday giving and celebrations, this elegant family of double-cask whiskies will be available October 1 and features elevated packaging with the sophisticated bottles slipped into an elegant black, navy and green canisters. Beautifully boxed decanter gift sets will also be available in single or three-bottle packages. Each is also available in cask strength. In addition, Middle West Spirits has launched its second annual fall holiday release of its Bourbon Cream just in time for holiday gift giving. These spirits, and Middle West’s full portfolio are available for shipping to most U.S. by visiting middlewestspirits.com.
The Sherry Cask-Finished Bourbon is aged a minimum of six years, first on heavy-toasted American white oak barrels crafted in Ohio, before it matures in sun-blackened Spanish Solera Sherry casks. The result is a spirit with rich notes of cherry, plum, dates and nutty dark chocolate, complemented by smooth vanilla and the spice of nutmeg and cinnamon. Already an award winner, the Sherry Cask-Finished Bourbon was named World’s Best Grain Based Spirits Drink Wizards of Whiskey 2020 and Best in Show, Heartland Whiskey Competition 2019. It received the first-ever Innovation Award (Bourbon Category) at the American Craft Spirits Awards 2019 and was named Best Bourbon by the American Distilling Institute, 2018.
For the Oloroso Wheat Whiskey, Middle West Spirits ages its Wheat Whiskey for five years on lightly toasted Ohio-made American White Oak barrels, before being cask finished in Spanish Oloroso Sherry barrels. Known for rich, nutty flavor, the Oloroso notes imparted in this whiskey truly enhance its black cherry, raisin and dark chocolate characteristics.
Recently lauded with an ASCOT Double Platinum Medal, Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey spends at least five years in medium-toasted local American White Oak barrels before it is moved to sun-soaked French tawny port casks. There, it develops soft notes of stone fruit and nutmeg, punctuated by spiced rye.
Weighing in at 97.25, 100 and 99.5 proof, 750mL, respectively, Double Cask Collection bottles will be offered at $99-$125. Single-bottle decanter gift set sell for $125 and a gift set featuring all three spirits, plus a decanter, retails for $330. Middle West Spirits Double Cask Collection will be widely available beginning October 1 at retail outlets around the country and in 32 states nationwide at Middle West’s online shop.
Having won the Ascot Award for bottle design, enjoying blistering sales and receiving rave reviews in 2020, this year Middle West produced five times the Bourbon Cream to meet demand. It’s the perfect marriage of fresh Midwest sweet cream and the Columbus-based distiller’s award-winning Michelone Reserve 4-Grain Bourbon, released in 2012 as its first Master’s Blend. Wildly popular with both novice and serious bourbon drinkers, this softer spirit is underscored by the depth, fullness and spice notes for which its Michelone Reserve has been honored. Middle West Bourbon Cream is ideal for holiday giving and enjoying neat, chilled, as a hot drink addition or in cocktails. Unlike Middle West’s high-proof craft spirits, its Bourbon Cream is produced at 15% alcohol by volume, coming in at 30 proof. Consistently elicits a “Wow!” at the first taste, the Bourbon Cream is packaged in a gorgeous bottle and has a $20 price point, offering elevated perceived value for the ideal stocking stuffer or host gift.
Middle West’s Michelone Reserve Bourbon has received international acclaim, having received awards at the American Craft Spirit’s Awards, American Craft Distilling Institute, Heartland Whiskey Competition, Berlin International Spirits Competition and others. An elegantly balanced, flavor-forward bourbon, Michelone Reserve is crafted from Ohio soft red winter wheat, sweet yellow corn, dark pumpernickel rye and two-row barley. The result is smooth, smoky and softly sweet, with a long enjoyable finish – thanks to that dark pumpernickel. Aged four years in white American oak, Michelone Reserve’s tasting notes include dark, amber color; aromas of banana, coconut cream pie and toffeed nuts; supple, dried fruit, medium-to-full body; incense and baking spice-driven finish. These flavors elevate Middle West’s Bourbon Cream, which accentuates baking spices with subtleties of vanilla and amaretto. Bourbon Cream has received rave reviews, with testers saying its flavors are rich and lush, but lack the cloying sweetness of many creams.