Next up, we're taking a look at a single barrel Middle West Spirits Cask Strength Dark Pumpernickel Rye! This barrel was picked by the folks over at Seelbach's and is barrel number 3939. Awhile back I reviewed the standard Dark Pumpernickel Rye and really enjoyed it. My feelings towards that bottle have remained the same, it's one that'll always have a spot on my bar top! When I heard that Seelbach's had a cask strength pick of this coming, I knew I had to jump on it. No official age statement, but it does state that this whiskey was barreled on May 30th, 2019 and consists of the same mash bill as the standard offering, dark pumpernickel rye, Ohio soft red winter wheat, yellow corn, and 2-row barley. Let's sit down with the Mistress of Magnetism herself, Polaris, and see what this cask strength rye is all about!
**Taken:** Neat in a Glencairn, rested for 10 minutes.
**Age:** No exact age, but label shows a barreled date of 5.30.19
**Proof:** 124.98
**Nose:** Very sweet nose of heavy caramel, toffee, and vanilla. The more I go back to it, the more I start to get some oak and rye spice with a hint of citrus.
**Palate:** Pepper on the palate with caramel, toffee, brown sugar and molasses immediately up front. This one has a lot of viscosity to it! That hint of citrus I got on the nose is there too, but not very prominent. Overall a very spicy, but pleasant palate.
**Finish:** Longer side of medium finish of rye spice, oak, and citrus.
Overall, I'm very impressed! I had high hopes for this since I love the standard 96 proof Dark Pumpernickel Rye so much and it absolutely lives up to those expectations! The combination of sweet and spicy on this pour is fantastic and that slight hint of citrus I get makes this one of my personal favorite rye's that I currently have on the bar top! These are still pretty hard to get, especially if you don't live near their distillery in Columbus, Ohio, however if you do have the chance to snag one of these, I suggest you do. Hoping we see cask strength versions of this and their other two core bottles become part of their standard lineup in the future!
t8ke scale: 8.3/10 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.
4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.
5 | Good | Good, just fine.
6 | Very Good | A cut above.
7 | Great | Well above average.
8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all time favorite.
10 | Perfect | Perfect.
It really is. That first sip is a nice rich, toasted bourbon and then it quickly evolves into really deep, dark fruits. A delicious pour every single time.
Next up, we're taking a look at a single barrel Middle West Spirits Cask Strength Dark Pumpernickel Rye! This barrel was picked by the folks over at Seelbach's and is barrel number 3939. Awhile back I reviewed the standard Dark Pumpernickel Rye and really enjoyed it. My feelings towards that bottle have remained the same, it's one that'll always have a spot on my bar top! When I heard that Seelbach's had a cask strength pick of this coming, I knew I had to jump on it. No official age statement, but it does state that this whiskey was barreled on May 30th, 2019 and consists of the same mash bill as the standard offering, dark pumpernickel rye, Ohio soft red winter wheat, yellow corn, and 2-row barley. Let's sit down with the Mistress of Magnetism herself, Polaris, and see what this cask strength rye is all about! **Taken:** Neat in a Glencairn, rested for 10 minutes. **Age:** No exact age, but label shows a barreled date of 5.30.19 **Proof:** 124.98 **Nose:** Very sweet nose of heavy caramel, toffee, and vanilla. The more I go back to it, the more I start to get some oak and rye spice with a hint of citrus. **Palate:** Pepper on the palate with caramel, toffee, brown sugar and molasses immediately up front. This one has a lot of viscosity to it! That hint of citrus I got on the nose is there too, but not very prominent. Overall a very spicy, but pleasant palate. **Finish:** Longer side of medium finish of rye spice, oak, and citrus. Overall, I'm very impressed! I had high hopes for this since I love the standard 96 proof Dark Pumpernickel Rye so much and it absolutely lives up to those expectations! The combination of sweet and spicy on this pour is fantastic and that slight hint of citrus I get makes this one of my personal favorite rye's that I currently have on the bar top! These are still pretty hard to get, especially if you don't live near their distillery in Columbus, Ohio, however if you do have the chance to snag one of these, I suggest you do. Hoping we see cask strength versions of this and their other two core bottles become part of their standard lineup in the future! t8ke scale: 8.3/10 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional. 1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out. 2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice. 3 | Bad | Multiple flaws. 4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists. 5 | Good | Good, just fine. 6 | Very Good | A cut above. 7 | Great | Well above average. 8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional. 9 | Incredible | An all time favorite. 10 | Perfect | Perfect.
I have a bottle (or 3) of the double cask Sherry finish at 116 proof and it’s one of my favorite bottles I own. Super underrated
Is that a pick? I thought their double cask collection was somewhere in the 90s proof wise.
Yes it’s a store pick. And price down to $80 for whatever reason. I’m glad nobody in my area seems to know how good it is
Well. Shit, that sounds amazing
It really is. That first sip is a nice rich, toasted bourbon and then it quickly evolves into really deep, dark fruits. A delicious pour every single time.
I ordered the regular one and now I see it’s a store pick, 🤦🏻
Sounds nice!
I have a bottle of this just waiting to be cracked. I might wait for a special occasion but not sure if I have that much patience.