Middle West Spirits Bourbon Cream 750ML is a 15% ABV (30 proof) cream liqueur built on a 4-grain bourbon base, produced in Columbus, Ohio. What separates it from the growing field of bourbon creams is the foundation — Michelone Reserve, Middle West Spirits' flagship 4-grain bourbon, which brings both wheat and rye into a mashbill that most competitors simplify to three grains.Quick Facts: ABV: 15% (30 Proof) | Origin: Columbus, Ohio, USA | Cream Liqueur | Distillery: Middle West SpiritsProduction & HeritageMiddle West Spirits operates in Columbus, Ohio, as one of the state's prominent craft distilleries. The Bourbon Cream is produced in small batches using their Michelone Reserve 4-Grain Bourbon as the spirit base — a bourbon first released in 2012 as the distillery's inaugural Master's Blend. The mashbill behind that base spirit consists of 68% non-GMO yellow corn, 16% Ohio soft red winter wheat, 11% dark pumpernickel rye, and 5% malted 2-row barley. The inclusion of both wheat and pumpernickel rye gives the cream liqueur a more layered spice-and-softness interplay than bourbon creams built on simpler corn-forward recipes.Tasting NotesAroma: Sweet and inviting, opening with vanilla and caramel before revealing deeper currents of amaretto, dark chocolate, and a thread of bourbon spice. The nose alone signals a richer cream liqueur than many in the category.Taste: The entry is a warm rush of vanilla and caramel carried on a notably velvety, thick texture. Mid-palate, that 4-grain bourbon backbone emerges with subtle spice — the pumpernickel rye contributing a gentle earthy bite that keeps the sweetness honest. The overall impression is layered and complex for a cream liqueur, with balanced sweetness that never feels cloying.Finish: Medium length with lingering warmth and a fading trail of spice and dark chocolate. The creamy mouthfeel persists, leaving a comforting, dessert-like close.How to Drink Bourbon CreamServed chilled or over ice, the thick texture and balanced sweetness make this an ideal after-dinner pour on its own. It also shines drizzled over vanilla ice cream or used as an indulgent coffee addition — a pairing recognized by the ASCOT Awards judges, who noted its potential as "a delicious and naughty creamer substitute for coffee." Three cocktails worth exploring: a Bourbon Cream White Russian, where the 4-grain base adds depth against coffee liqueur and cream; a Chocolate Bourbon Cream Martini, shaken with crème de cacao to amplify the dark chocolate notes; and a Bourbon Cream Espresso Affogato Cocktail, poured over fresh espresso and a scoop of gelato for a dessert-and-drink hybrid.Best For Dessert course pairings at a dinner party Gifting to someone who enjoys craft spirits with a sweet profile After-dinner sipping on its own or over ice Spiking weekend coffee or hot chocolate for a brunch gathering Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Bourbon Cream taste like? It leads with rich vanilla and caramel sweetness, followed by dark chocolate and a gentle bourbon spice, all delivered in a thick, velvety texture that feels more substantial than many cream liqueurs.How does Bourbon Cream compare to Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream? Both are American bourbon-based cream liqueurs, but Middle West Spirits uses a 4-grain mashbill (corn, wheat, pumpernickel rye, and malted barley) that introduces more spice complexity than Buffalo Trace's corn-forward bourbon base. Middle West's version is also craft-distilled in small batches in Ohio, while Buffalo Trace is produced at a much larger Kentucky distillery.Is Bourbon Cream good for cocktails? Yes — at 15% ABV it mixes easily into coffee drinks, dessert martinis, and cream-based cocktails, and its thicker texture gives drinks a more luxurious body than thinner cream liqueurs.Where is Bourbon Cream made? It is distilled and bottled at Middle West Spirits in Columbus, Ohio, using their Michelone Reserve 4-Grain Bourbon as the spirit base.What foods pair well with Bourbon Cream? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and caramel notes; cheesecake mirrors the creamy richness; pecan pie echoes the bourbon spice and sweetness; fresh berries provide a tart counterpoint; and bread pudding with a drizzle of Bourbon Cream turns dessert into a full experience.What sizes does Bourbon Cream come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle.Is Bourbon Cream worth the price? It positions as a craft-tier cream liqueur, priced above mass-market options like Baileys but justified by its small-batch production and the quality of the Michelone Reserve bourbon foundation — a legitimate craft spirit rather than a neutral base with flavoring.Why Bourbon Cream?Most bourbon cream liqueurs rely on a straightforward corn-heavy bourbon as their base and let sugar and dairy do the heavy lifting. Middle West Spirits takes a different route by using Michelone Reserve, a genuine 4-grain bourbon with both wheat and pumpernickel rye in the mashbill, which introduces a spice complexity uncommon in this category. The bottle itself earned an Ascot Award for design in 2020, and the liquid inside received a Gold Medal from the same organization. For anyone who finds standard cream liqueurs one-dimensional, this Ohio-made expression delivers the layered depth of a thoughtfully constructed bourbon underneath its rich, dessert-forward character.
