OYO Whiskey is single cask, small batch artisanal whiskey made from Ohio soft winter wheat. Here’s what we have to say about this: WOW. It’s apparent from the aroma that this is no ordinary whiskey. It’s whiskey on flavor steroids, incredibly rich and deep, full of buttery dried peaches, raisins, vanilla and candied orange peel – a stellar whiskey for those who like a lot going on in their glass. 92 proof; $$$$
OYO Stone Fruit Vodka is small-batch vodka made with Montmorency cherries, peaches, apricots, almonds, hibiscus and Ohio wildflower honey distilled from Ohio soft red winter wheat. This seemed more like a liqueur to us, with its aromas of vanilla, buttery caramel and spice, and its big, bold, natural-tasting flavors of honeyed apricot, and peach. We liked it straight, though we also thought topping it off with a generous pour of sparkling wine would be fun. See www.middlewestspirits.com for recipes, including an interesting cocktail made with OYO Stone Fruit, Four Roses Bourbon, lemon juice and Cointreau. 70 proof; $$$
Three Olives Cake flavored vodka, a relative newcomer in the line-up of confectionary vodka, is made with vodka imported from England. It absolutely smells like cake and icing – all butter, vanilla and sugar – and tastes like angel food cake. Dessert in a glass for those who want to have their cake and drink it too. 70 proof; $
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