Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon Review

Middle West Spirits
Michelone Reserve
Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
Cask Strength
Proof: 122.2
Age: 4 Years
SRP: $69.99
Review by Craig & Cynthia

Please enjoy our Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon Review!

A Four Grain Wheated Bourbon

Middle West Spirits is known for producing grain-to-glass whiskey with a focus on distinctive mash bills and thoughtful production. The Michelone Reserve Cask Strength Bourbon stands out for its unique grain combination, incorporating both Ohio Soft Red Winter Wheat and Dark Pumpernickel Rye — an uncommon choice in bourbon production.

This wheated cask strength expression builds upon the standard proof version with added intensity and depth. Bottled at 122.2 proof and aged four years, it promises bold character while allowing the grain profile to shine through.

(Editor’s note: I find it interesting that Middle West Spirits refers to this bourbon as a “Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey” when it is made with rye, as well. Most distilleries would refer to this as a “Four Grain” bourbon.)

Details – Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon Review

• Distillery: Middle West Spirits, Columbus, OH
• Expression: Michelone Reserve Cask Strength Bourbon
• Type: Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (Four Grain)
• Age: Minimum of 4 Years
• Proof: 122.2
• Mash Bill: Ohio Soft Red Winter Wheat and Dark Pumpernickel Rye (Specific percentages are not provided)
• SRP: $69.99

Tasting Notes – Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon Review

Let’s taste it:

🛏 Rested: 15 minutes in a Glencairn
🎨 Color: Dark amber

👉🏻 Nose:
Craig: Noticeable oak, accompanied by leather, tobacco and toffee. With some added water, it gets sweeter and slightly nutty with caramel notes as well. A wonderful combination that appeals to my senses.
Cynthia: Dry oak boldly stepped forward front and center then followed by tobacco leaf, as if you entered a walk-in cigar humidor. As the glass opened up, a soft red wine aroma flowed into the air blending in with the other impressions into a beautiful bloom.

👉🏻 Taste:
Craig: Vanilla, charred barrel, fresh bread with a syrupy mouthfeel. With some added water I noticed more oak and a sweet fig. I really enjoyed just holding this in my mouth and taking in the different flavors.
Cynthia: The first sip presented a wave of savory buttery popcorn that coated my entire mouth. After warming the glass with my hands for a few minutes, the profile transformed leaning towards notes of nutty walnut and vanilla. A few drops of water shifted the experience into sweet herbal tea with soft hits of cinnamon in the back of the palate.

👉🏻 Finish:
Craig: Medium long finish with a continued great mouthfeel. Oaky, and not hot at all despite the high proof point.
Cynthia: Medium considering the proof.

Summary

Craig: The nose of Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon opens with oak, leather, tobacco, and toffee, moving toward sweeter tones with a splash of water. Light nutty accents and caramel develop as the water interacts with the whiskey. The palate delivers vanilla, charred oak, syrupy sweetness, and fresh-bread warmth. With added water, fig and amplified oak step forward. The mouthfeel remains solid throughout, and the finish sits comfortably at medium to medium-long while staying balanced and never hot.

Cynthia: My first aroma impression was dry oak, gradually joined by tobacco leaf and soft leather. Soon a red wine essence created a beautiful bouquet. The palate opened with savory buttery popcorn, then evolved into walnut and vanilla after warming. A few drops of water shifted the profile toward sweet herbal tea with hints of cinnamon on the back palate. The medium finish was surprisingly short and not hot.

Conclusion

Craig: This pour really impressed me. I’ve had the standard proof version before, but this was my first time with the cask strength, and it delivered far more depth and character than I expected. The oak‑forward profile, the way the nose and palate evolve with a little water, and the balanced, medium‑long finish all made it a standout. I genuinely enjoyed this one and highly recommend giving the Cask Strength Middle West Spirits Wheated Bourbon a try.

Cynthia: This cask strength bourbon delivered a dynamic experience. Beginning with the dry oak and the tobacco notes on the nose, it then presented my palate with dramatic characteristic changes throughout the experience. Overall Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Cask Strength Bourbon was bold and with patience, fun and rewarding.  

Have you tried the Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon? What did you think? Cheers!🥃

We hope you have enjoyed our Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon Review by Craig and Cynthia! Next, read my Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye Review.

“Note: This sample was graciously provided by the the Brand for my review. I appreciate it!”

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