Middle West Spirits Straight Wheat Whiskey Review

Distillery: Middle West Spirits – Columbus, Ohio

Proof: 92.0 (46.0% ABV)

Age: Four Years

Mashbill: 95% Wheat, 5% Malted Barley

MSRP: $47

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Rich Entry.  Quick Exit

Middle West Spirits, based in Columbus, Ohio, continues to be a champion in the use of regional grains.  Distilled from 95% Ohio soft red winter wheat and aged a minimum of three years, it showcases what the distillery’s local terroir and softer wheat varietal can produce.  Bottled at 92 proof and certified Kosher, this expression aims to highlight caramel sweetness and layered texture.

Middle West Spirits Straight Wheat Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.4/5

Caramel.  Vanilla bean.  Toasted oak.  Shortbread cookie.

Strengths:  The Nose leans deep into a caramel sweetness—as do most wheat whiskeys.  It’s warm and layered, creating a dessert-like richness that draws you in pre-sip.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Slightly restrained.
Rating Justification:   Elegant and dessert-forward.  The caramel component dominates and is inviting.

Palate – 4.3/5

Mandarin orange.  Caramel.  Buttered toffee.  Light baking spice.

Strengths:  The orange note is bright mid-Palate.  Drinks like a higher proof whiskey, offering a richness beyond its 92 proof point.
Why It’s Not Higher:  The spice stays light.  A touch more oak depth would balance and further enhance the citrus notes.
Rating Justification:  Engaging and flavorful.  Creamy mouthfeel.

Finish – 2.5/5

Tart citrus.  Dry oak.  Grain spice.  

Strengths:  The tartness keeps the Finish from turning overly sweet.
Why It’s Not Higher:  The Finish is thin, abrupt, and drying, falling off almost immediately.  The transition from the rich Palate to the sharp Finish is disjointed and confusing.
Rating Justification:  Disconnected from the whiskey’s earlier goodness.  Leaves you with a confused state and negative ending impression.

Value – 3.8/5

At $47, this whiskey offers good transparency at a fair price.  The local grain sourcing and small-batch authenticity are appealing, but the quick, tart Finish keeps it from standing out in a competitive category.

Middle West Spirits Straight Wheat Whiskey Review: The Verdict

Middle West Spirits Straight Wheat Whiskey starts strong but doesn’t land the Finish. The caramel-rich Nose and orange-bright Palate deliver an endearing charm, yet the Finish completely undercuts the balance for the whole.  For enthusiasts, this one hints at greater potential with more time in oak. Shop now.

Verdict – 3.8/5

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