Westward American Single Malt Whiskey
- Feb 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 2
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
About This Spirit from the Maker
Source: Westward Whiskey Original
A bold, elevated American original that reflects our passion for whiskey and commitment to craft.
Westward Whiskey Original begins with locally malted two-row barley from the American Northwest. We brew an artisanal American Ale from scratch, ferment with craft ale yeast for exceptional flavor, and double pot distill for bold character. The whiskey is then matured in new, heavily toasted and lightly charred American Oak barrels in Oregon, where hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters shape its distinct profile.
The result is a robust, balanced whiskey that showcases the full spectrum of malt flavor—from bright fruit to warm spice to rich, toasted oak. Crafted grain to glass in Portland, Oregon.
Bottled at 45% ABV / 90 proof
TASTING NOTES
AROMA: Orange peel, caramel, toasted nut
PALATE: Stone fruit, vanilla, honey, coconut
FINISH: Toffee, light oak, roasted fruit
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How We Feel About the Spirit
Westward American Single Malt Whiskey (90 Proof): The Beginning of a New Curiosity
Some bottles arrive in the Sipping Room because we went looking for them. Others arrive because they found us first. Our journey with Westward falls squarely into the second category. Thanks to our Pourmore Whiskey Enthusiast subscription, we were introduced to the brand through a bold surprise: the Westward Reserve Bar Top Flight Series Barrel 16, a 130.21‑proof powerhouse that delivered far more elegance than its proof suggested. Its chocolate‑forward profile lingered with us long after the glass was empty.
That single bottle sparked a curiosity we couldn’t ignore. Before long, we found ourselves adding three more Westward expressions to the collection — including the foundation of their lineup, the Westward American Single Malt Whiskey.
Crafted from locally malted two‑row barley and brewed as an artisanal American Ale before distillation, this whiskey reflects the Pacific Northwest’s brewing heritage and Westward’s grain‑to‑glass philosophy. Fermented with craft ale yeast, double pot distilled, and matured in new American Oak in Oregon’s dramatic climate, it promises a spectrum of malt flavor: bright fruit, warm spice, and toasted oak.
We haven’t opened this bottle yet, but it sits on the shelf with a quiet confidence — the kind that suggests it will become a familiar favorite once we finally pull the cork. If our first Westward experience is any indication, this Original expression may be the beginning of a long‑term relationship with the brand.
Westward American Single Malt Whiskey (90 Proof): First Pour, First Impressions
When we finally pulled the cork on the Westward American Single Malt, the first thing that struck us was how inviting it felt — softer, sweeter, and more immediately approachable than the high‑octane Barrel 16 that first introduced us to the brand.
Nose: A Dessert‑Leaned Welcome
The aroma opens with a wave of vanilla ice cream, the kind that melts into warm apples dusted with cinnamon. A gentle citrus brightness follows — mostly orange — adding lift without sharpness. Beneath it all sits a rich layer of brown sugar and molasses, rounding the nose with a warmth that feels both familiar and indulgent.
Palate: Sweet, Smooth, and Layered
The first sip lands sweet and silky, carrying that subtle brown sugar note straight from the nose. As it moves across the palate, the whiskey builds into a bold but balanced peppery spice that lingers at the back of the throat. It’s assertive without ever overwhelming, allowing the sweetness to stay present even as the spice takes its turn.
The apple from the nose reappears in the finish, tying the experience together with a satisfying sense of continuity. Vanilla and brown sugar remain steady companions throughout, creating a layered profile that evolves without losing its core identity.
Comparison to Barrel 16
Compared to the Westward Reserve Bar Top Flight Series Barrel 16, this expression leans noticeably sweeter on the nose and more mellow on the palate — a shift that makes sense given its 90‑proof structure. It doesn’t carry the same chocolate‑forward depth that made Barrel 16 such a standout, but that’s not a drawback. Instead, it offers a gentler, more easygoing take on Westward’s malt‑driven character.
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Related Cocktails
Here Comes the Sun
This refreshing twist on a whiskey smash -- made with our flagship Original whiskey and grilled sliced peaches -- will have you dreaming of warmer weather and the bounty of beautiful ingredients that come with it.
Ingredients
1 1/2 parts Westward Whiskey Original
1/2 peach, pitted and halved
3/4 part lemon juice
1/2 part 1:1 honey syrup
1/2 part peach liqueur
bundle of mint leaves
Club soda
Instructions
Grill peach slices and lemon half on your FineX grill pan for 2-3 minutes until lightly charred.
Place peaches, lemon, herbs, honey, and whiskey in a large glass or cocktail shaker and smash all of the ingredients together.
Strain through a small mesh strainer into rocks glass.
Serve over large ice and top with club soda in a rocks glass and garnish with a bundle of mint and grilled peach.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
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