Minglewood Straight Bourbon: Minglewood Distilling Co. (Wooster, Ohio)

Type: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Age: At least 4 years
Proof: 88
Color: Deep Amber
Nose: Gentle spice, peppery, white grape, and apple
Palate: Leans on the pepper with a hint of baking apples A touch of caramel and brown sugar
Finsih: The finish lingers only a moment continuing the flavors on the palate

First Sip

The reason you’re reading this at all started with a bartender at the Rackhouse Tavern in Lexington. I was scribbling in my little bourbon notebook like a kid cramming before a quiz, and she asked if I had a blog. I laughed and told her I barely have my life together, let alone a blog. She just grinned and said, you oughta.

So, here we are. I’ve got a stack of old notes from nights just like that, and I’m finally cleaning them up and sharing. This pour, Minglewood Straight Bourbon, was one of those journal entries. I remember thinking it was pretty good, not the kind that makes you write poetry, but definitely worth a quiet evening and a clean glass. Time to give it its turn in the light.

The Pour

On paper, it’s a straight bourbon at least four years old, bottled at 88 proof. That proof tells you what kind of night you’re in for, the friendly kind. The color sits deep amber, the sort that glows up a short pour without any tricks.

In the glass it behaves itself. Nothing dramatic with the legs, just a steady curtain that says the body is more tidy than heavy. First impression is calm, like a bourbon that knows it’s here for company, not dominance. No big oak slap, no smoky swagger, nothing show-offy. Just a clean look and a promise of something simple and steady.

Nose

The nose opens with gentle spice, and then that pepper jumps in like it wants the first word. I get white grape, which is more fresh than jammy, and a good clip of apple. It leans orchard, not bakery, though the spice hints at what’s coming. Sweetness stays in check, no syrupy waves, more of a quiet hum. Oak is a background singer here, keeping the nose light and easy. If you like a clean, peppery nose with a bit of bright fruit, this one sets the stage nicely.

Palate

The first sip puts the pepper in charge. Not a tongue torch, just the kind that says hello without asking for your social security number. Then those baking apples roll in and round it out. Not gooey pie, more like apple slices hitting a warm skillet, with a dusting of cinnamon nearby.

A touch of caramel and brown sugar shows up, enough sweetness to balance the spice without turning dessert-heavy. Body stays on the lighter side of medium, which fits the proof. The oak minds its manners, so fruit and spice lead the conversation. Easy sipping, steady rhythm.

Finish

The finish doesn’t overstay its welcome. It lingers a breath, then heads on down the road, carrying the same notes from the palate. Pepper flickers, apple hangs around just long enough to wave, and brown sugar gives a nod before it fades. Heat is well behaved, a small glow, not a bonfire. No bitter goodbye and no ash.

If you chase long, winding finishes that tell a whole extra story, this one might feel shy. But if you like a clean wrap-up that keeps things neat, you’ll appreciate the manners on it.

The Verdict

Minglewood Straight Bourbon lands squarely in my pretty good camp. It’s a porch kind of pour — something I can sip without fuss while the dog judges the neighborhood from the railing. Pepper leads, apple backs it up, sweetness stays polite, and the oak hums along in the back.

Nothing wild, nothing muddy. Just a steady, drinkable bourbon that doesn’t try to reinvent anything. The short finish keeps it light on its feet, and the proof makes it friendly for weeknights or a second glass after dinner.

If your tastes run toward big barrel punch or smoke, this won’t scratch that itch. But if you like a clean, pepper-forward sip with a bright fruit edge, it hits that mark with a grin.

I could see this doing fine with a cube, or even as a neat base for a simple highball when it’s too warm to sit still. It’s not my favorite from the notes I’ve been digging through, but it’s one I’ll pour again without hesitation.

That bartender at Rackhouse was right. Jot it down, share it, and see who else hears the same song. This bottle doesn’t try to change your life, it just shows up, tastes good, and gets along with everybody. Nothing wrong with that at all.

For more reviews and other great content check out my website: The Pourch, America’s Craft Whiskey Lives Here