New Middle West Whiskeys Take On A Double Cask Focus

by Gary Carter
September 13, 2021

Middle West Spirits recently debuted its new Double Cask Collection of whiskeys, each of which embodies distinctive characteristics of multiple cask types and the terroir of its origin grain.

The Double Cask Collection features Sherry Cask-Finished Bourbon, Oloroso Wheat Whiskey and Ported Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey. The double-cask whiskies will be available across the country by Oct. 1.

The packaging features the bottles slipped into black, navy and green canisters, and boxed decanter gift sets will be available in single or three-bottle packages. Each whiskey will also be available in cask strength.

OYO Sherry Casks — Blackened sherry casks basking in the sun (image via Middle West Spirits)

The Sherry Cask-Finished Bourbon is aged a minimum of six years, first on heavy-toasted American white oak barrels crafted in Ohio, before it matures in sun-blackened Spanish Solera Sherry casks. The result is a spirit with notes of cherry, plum, dates and nutty dark chocolate, followed by vanilla and the spice of nutmeg and cinnamon.

For the Oloroso Wheat Whiskey, Middle West Spirits ages its wheat whiskey for five years on lightly toasted Ohio-made American white oak barrels, before being cask finished in Spanish Oloroso Sherry barrels. Known for rich, nutty flavor, the Oloroso notes imparted in this whiskey enhance its black cherry, raisin and dark chocolate characteristics.

Middle West’s Dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey spends at least five years in medium-toasted local American white oak barrels before it’s moved to sun-soaked French tawny port casks. There, it develops soft notes of stone fruit and nutmeg, punctuated by spiced rye.

Coming in at 97.25, 100, and 99.5 proof, respectively, the 750ml Double Cask Collection bottles will retail at $99-$125. Single-bottle decanter gift sets will sell for $125 and a gift set featuring all three spirits, plus a decanter, retails for $330.

Middle West Spirits is located in the heart of the Ohio River Valley, where Ohio-grown corn and soft red winter wheat, and a favorable climate create the terroir that is exhibited in Middle West’s whiskeys, vodkas, and gin.