Middle West Pumpernickel Rye Single Barrel

Middle West Spirits may be a new name to some, but it has deep roots and a strong reputation. During our visit last year, we toured their impressive new distillery just outside Columbus and were blown away by the scale and precision of their operation.

Founded in 2008, Middle West set out to highlight the unique flavors of the Ohio River Valley. Everything they do, from distilling to aging to packaging, happens just north of downtown. Their approach blends craftsmanship, originality, and a clear respect for their regional roots.

They also began distilling America’s first Dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey, a signature four-grain rye made from dark pumpernickel rye, non-GMO open-pollinated yellow corn, soft red winter wheat, and two-row barley.

If you’ve been with us for a while, you may remember our Dark Pumpernickel Rye from the early months of 2024, as well as our follow-up last May. This is a rye that we absolutely love having on the site, and what once felt like an IYKYK bottle has quickly become one of our most anticipated single barrels each time we offer it.

We also have a restock of their Napoleon Dark Pumpernickel Rye whiskey finished in Calvados, Straight Wheated Bourbon Michelone Reserve, Straight Wheat Whiskey, and standard Dark Pumpernickel Rye.

The nose is almost reminiscent of a juice box, with apple juice concentrate up front, followed by notes of caramel, powdered sugar, lemonade, vanilla cream, and elegant oak, alongside a touch of smoke, cardamom, and cedar box.

The palate is dense and chewy, drinking plump and juicy with a depth more reminiscent of an 8 to 10-year rye. Notes of vanilla-dipped dried mango, mixed berry pie, molasses cookies, and heavy simple syrup create a level of slightly tart saturation you might expect from a finished rye, without any finishing. While present, spice is not the focus in this barrel as it was in our previous selection, instead leaning into clarity, sweetness, and punch-like fruitiness.

The finish is long and clean, carrying through with cane sugar syrup, candied orange, lemon-lime soda, and sweet oak, with dazzling sweet-toned baking spices lingering on.