Daniel Davis
The Rise of Middle West Spirits
Whiskey enthusiasts can now add Middle West Spirits to their list of must-try distilleries. This Columbus-based spirits maker has become known for their unique and high-quality offerings, earning them eight awards at the 2021 American Spirit Competition of Tasters (ASCOT).
The ASCOT Awards
The ASCOT Awards recognize excellence in the world of spirits, with judges evaluating entries based on aroma, taste, and finish. Middle West Spirits’ earned accolades in the whiskey and bourbon categories:
- Gold Medal for their Straight Wheat Whiskey (four years and older)
- Gold Medal for their Bourbon Whiskey (four years and older)
- Silver Medal for their Wheat Whiskey
- Silver Medal for their Rye Whiskey (four years and older)
- Silver Medal for their Ohio Straight Bourbon
- Silver Medal for their Pennsylvania Straight Rye
- Bronze Medal for their OYO Bourbon Whiskey
- Bronze Medal for their OYO Whiskey
These awards are a testament to Middle West Spirits’ dedication to making quality spirits with unique blends.
The Philosophy Behind Middle West Spirits
Middle West Spirits was founded in 2010 by Brady Konya and Ryan Lang, who saw an opportunity to create spirits that spoke to the unique terroir of the Midwest. By sourcing local grains and collaborating with artisans and farmers, they’ve been able to create spirits that reflect the region’s agricultural roots while also pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making.
At Middle West Spirits, they believe that great whiskey comes from quality ingredients and careful attention to detail. They use non-GMO grains, malt their own barley, and even mill their own flour for their whiskey mash. This level of craftsmanship sets them apart from other distilleries and has earned them a loyal following of whiskey enthusiasts in the Midwest and beyond.
Standout Spirits from Middle West
While all of Middle West Spirits’ offerings are exceptional, a few stand out:
- Ohio Straight Bourbon Whiskey – This bourbon is made with a high-rye mash bill and aged in charred American oak barrels, resulting in a spicy and bold flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.
- Sherry Cask Finished Straight Wheat Whiskey – This wheat whiskey is aged in sherry casks, giving it a rich, fruity flavor with hints of almonds and dark chocolate.
- OYO Vodka – While Middle West Spirits may be known for their whiskey, their vodka is also noteworthy. Made from wheat and corn, it has a silky texture and subtle sweetness that make it perfect for sipping or mixing in cocktails.
These standout spirits demonstrate the creativity and attention to detail that goes into every bottle of Middle West Spirits.
The Future of Middle West Spirits
With eight ASCOT Awards and a loyal following of whiskey enthusiasts, Middle West Spirits is poised for continued success. They are constantly experimenting with new blends and techniques, so it’s clear that they have no intention of resting on their laurels. As they continue to push the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making, it’s exciting to see what else they have in store for the future.
Cheers to Middle West Spirits, and their dedication to quality!
