Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey Review

Distillery: Middle West Spirits – Columbus, Ohio

Proof: 96.0 (48% ABV)

Age: Four Years

Mashbill: Dark Pumpernickel Rye, Soft Red Winter Wheat, Yellow Corn, 2 Row Barley

MSRP: $47

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Innovative Mashbill innovation.  Balanced proof point.

Middle West Spirits (Columbus, Ohio) has made its mark by embracing grains not often used among mainstream whiskey producers.  Their Dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey highlights a distinctive mash bill where pumpernickel rye is the dominant grain.  The choice to use pumpernickel rye—a darker, bolder rye variety — is a deliberate move toward depth and earthiness, setting it apart from the high-rye bourbons and classic rye whiskies most of us, as enthusiasts, are familiar.

Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.0/5

Fresh baked pumpernickel bread.  Dark cocoa.  Damp sweet earth.  Black tea.
Strengths:  The Nose makes a clear first impression of bread and a cocoa richness.  Earthy notes make it distinctive.
Why It’s Not Higher:  At 96 proof, the Nose remains slightly muted when compared to higher proof craft ryes.  A thin layer of ethanol.
Rating Justification:  Original, grain-forward, and an unmistakable rye.  The savoriness of the pumpernickel shows up right away.

Palate – 4.25/5

Toasted rye bread.  Molasses.  Black pepper.  Cocoa nibs.
Strengths:  The pumpernickel rye foundation carries through from the Nose—bread layers along with molasses flavors as the secondary grains seem to soften the whiskey without muting the rye’s presence.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Mid-Palate is a richness that peaks quickly and fades a touch sooner than expected.
Rating Justification:  Bold and different from a standard rye.  Impressive clarity for its grain bill and proof

Finish – 4.0/5

Dark chocolate.  Coffee grounds.  Lingering rye spice.  Slight dryness.
Strengths:  Satisfying close with chocolatey notes that echo the Nose and Palate.  Rye spice lingers pleasantly.
Why It’s Not Higher:  On the shorter side.  Finishes a bit dry.
Rating Justification:  A solid, cohesive ending. 

Value – 4.5/5

At $47, this whiskey is an excellent value.  The use of regionally sourced grains and a less common rye variety makes it stand out in a crowded market.  While some may prefer higher proof or longer age statements, Middle West delivers something distinctive without pushing past the $50 price point.

Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict

Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey succeeds in presenting a rye whiskey that doesn’t follow the standard spice-heavy template.  Instead, it leans earthy and bread-forward.  While it stops short of Platinum-tier depth, it carves out a unique identity in the rye category and rewards enthusiasts looking for something different from the usual sourced profiles. Shop now.

Verdict – 4.2/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3