Westward American Single Malt Pinot Noir Cask Whiskey
A few weeks ago, I got to taste the Westward Cask Strength Single Malt as part of their appearance on the Whiskey Ring Podcast. It was a great expression of what American Single Malt can be, especially at a high proof.
Before the Cask Strength, though, there was the Pinot Noir. Westward has their distillery in Portland, but they also have an aging site twelve miles away in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The Willamette is world-famous for its Pinot Noir wines - hell, I’m not a huge Pinot fan, but when I want it I go for the Valley.
On the podcast, Miles made clear that while Westward takes inspiration from the long Irish and Scottish heritage of single malt production, they also do their own thing: case in point, the yeast is the same used by Sierra Nevada to make their beer. Mixing the two inspirations of the UK and their own environs, Westward took its single malt and aged it for up to two years in local Pinot Noir casks.
With finishings, a funny thing can happen, especially in American whiskey. They can either be well-done, or they can be a mess. Sometimes over-finished, sometimes under-finished, sometimes multiple finishes that bash against each other on the tongue, any number of things can go wrong. Hence, sometimes the simplest answer is the right one.
Pacific Northwest Single Malt plus Pinot Noir from the local vineyards = a berry explosion on top of creamy, malty sweetness. At a mere 90 proof, no less. There’s something about single malt that allows for great flavor and body at lower proofs. You’ll almost never find me drinking bourbons or even ryes below let’s say 95-100 proof for that exact reason - too-thin mouthfeels and correspondingly thin flavors. Single malts, on the other hand, can convey exactly what I’m looking for without blowing out the palate proof-wise. Maybe it’s just a me thing - very well could be, but that’s what it is.
I didn’t think the Westward Cask Strength could be beaten in their lineup. It was fantastic. Count me proven wrong as I pour another dram of this deliciously fruity and full-bodied whiskey.
Full disclosure: a bottle of Westward American Single Malt Pinot Noir Cask Finish was provided to me at no cost courtesy of Westward to be tasted after Mr. Munroe’s appearance on the Whiskey Ring Podcast. While greatly appreciated, reviews are done 100% blind and full editorial control lies with me.
Westward American Single Malt Pinot Noir Cask Whiskey: Specs
Classification: American Single Malt Whiskey
Origin: Westward Distillery
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
Age: NAS
Location: Portland, Oregon
Westward American Single Malt Pinot Noir Cask Whiskey Price: $89.99
Westward American Single Malt Pinot Noir Cask Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Eye: Brand new pennies. Shredding rims and tiny droplets.
Nose: Fresh, deep red wine flows out of the glass. Plenty of sweet and thick malt under the wine. Red Sweettarts, tart and fruity. Walking through a winery. Extra creaminess and barrel char appear on the back end.
Palate: Creamy and custardy right away - the mouthfeel hits before the flavor does. Effervescent acidity on the tip of my tongue. Fresh grapes and berries linger between sips, building gradually. Mouthfeel is medium-to-full-bodied, the barest of proof heat and a pleasant peppery tingle throughout. Malt and milk chocolate, mouthwatering, with the chocolate intensifying without turning bitter.
Finish: Gives a pop of oaky heat in the throat before settling into a chocolate-covered berry lacquer. Long a fruity - just keeps going.
Overall: It’s rare for me to find an American whiskey I enjoy below around 95-100 proof, but this is seriously great stuff. A fantastic blend of terroir and technique, PNW character, malted chocolate, and berry-forward Pinot Noir. Bravo.
Final Rating: 8.1
10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Old Label Batch 4 or 2, Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)
9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)
8 | Excellent | Exceptional (Stagg Jr. Batch 10, Highland Park Single Barrels)
7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)
6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)
5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)
4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)
3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)
2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)
1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co. Cider Cask)
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