Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Straight Wheated Bourbon
When most bourbon enthusiasts think about great whiskey, their minds immediately drift toward Kentucky. It's understandable. The Bluegrass State has earned its reputation as bourbon's spiritual home. But every so often, a distillery outside Kentucky reminds us that exceptional whiskey can come from unexpected places. Middle West Spirits has quietly become one of those distilleries.
Located in Columbus, Ohio, Middle West has spent years building a reputation for producing grain-to-glass spirits with an emphasis on transparency, local agriculture, and meticulous craftsmanship. While many brands source whiskey from elsewhere and focus primarily on marketing, Middle West has invested heavily in making whiskey from the ground up.
Their Michelone Reserve Straight Wheated Bourbon is a perfect example of what happens when a distillery takes its time and lets quality lead the conversation. This isn't a bourbon trying to shock you with massive proof or extreme oak influence. Instead, it's a whiskey built around balance, richness, and the softer, sweeter characteristics that have made wheated bourbons some of the most sought-after bottles in the industry.
Founded in 2008 by Ryan Lang, Middle West Spirits was created with a simple philosophy: produce authentic spirits that showcase Ohio-grown ingredients and the agricultural heritage of the Midwest. Long before "grain-to-glass" became a popular marketing phrase, Middle West was already putting that philosophy into practice.
The distillery works closely with local farmers and utilizes Ohio-grown grains whenever possible, creating spirits that genuinely reflect the region where they're produced. Over the years, the company has grown from a small craft operation into one of the Midwest's most respected distilleries. Their portfolio has expanded well beyond bourbon and now includes rye whiskey, vodka, gin, and a variety of specialty releases. The company also acquired the Old Elk brand in 2025.
What makes Middle West particularly interesting is that they have never tried to imitate Kentucky bourbon. Instead, they've embraced their Ohio roots and focused on creating a style all their own. That commitment to identity has helped them earn a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts looking for something beyond the mainstream.
Michelone Reserve represents one of Middle West's premium bourbon offerings and highlights the softer side of American whiskey. As a wheated bourbon, wheat replaces a significant portion of the rye traditionally found in many bourbon mash bills. The result is generally a smoother, rounder whiskey profile with enhanced sweetness and a more approachable character. This offering is built on a mash bill of corn (68%), rye (11%), wheat (16%), and barley (5%). Specifically, it is made from non-GMO, open-pollinated yellow corn, soft red winter wheat, dark pumpernickel rye and 2-row barley. How is that for transparency!?!
The whiskey demonstrates plenty of complexity while maintaining an elegant balance throughout the tasting experience. The name "Michelone" pays tribute to family heritage and reflects the distillery's commitment to honoring the people and traditions that helped shape the company.
Captivating dark amber color with nose-filling aromas of toasted nuts, banana cake, molasses and scorched earth. Mouth-coating, viscous and palate-welcoming flavors of Heath candy bar, cashew brittle, red fruits and grounded with baking spices on the finish. This wine is rich without being too heavy and it is sweet but certainly not syrupy. We tasted this neat and also with one ice cube. Good news for everyone at your party: this bottle is Kosher!
If you're looking for a new (to you) bourbon brand, all signs point to Middle West Spirits. And... if you need a new cocktail recipe, why not try the Middle West Spirits Ready for Takeoff?
- 3/4 ounce Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Straight Wheated Bourbon
- 3/4 ounce Amaro Nonino
- 3/4 ounce Aperol
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- Garnish: miniature paper airplane
ABV: 47.5% (95 proof)
Distillery: Middle West Spirits
Suggested retail price: $46.99
Drink The Bottles score: 95/100
