Middle West Spirits Cask Strength Wheated (Batch 001), 61.1%

The first cask-strength wheater from Ohio’s Middle West Spirits is a delight from soup to nuts. The nose kicks off with pleasant aromas of caramel, sliced strawberries, nougat, Fruit Roll-Ups, and Milky Way. A spicy and very hot palate reflects its ABV; without water, this will deter some, but the flavors within are divine, ranging from rich baking spice to summer fruit to Nature Valley granola bar. A bit of char emerges on the finish, and with water, chocolate, tobacco, cherry, and fruit leather round out this big whiskey.