Westward American Single Malt Whiskey
$70.00
Westward American Single Malt is a refined and character-filled whiskey from Portland, Oregon. Made from 100% malted barley, fermented with ale yeast, and aged in new charred American oak, it delivers malt-sweetness with oak spice, citrus brightness, and a distinctly Pacific Northwest signature. It’s accessible for whisky newcomers but layered enough to reward enthusiasts.
Key Specs & Background
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Producer / Brand | Westward Whiskey, Portland, Oregon |
| Type / Style | American Single Malt Whiskey — core expression (not cask strength by default) |
| Grain Bill | 100% malted barley; uses locally malted barley and ale yeast in fermentation. |
| Barrel / Maturation | Aged in new, charred American oak barrels. |
| ABV / Proof | 45% ABV |
| Age Statement | NAS (no age statement) for the core expression. |
Tasting Profile
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Nose / Aroma: Sweet malt and vanilla; caramel; lightly floral & citrus peel; toasted oak and subtle baking spice. Some review notes mention butterscotch, lemon, herbal undercurrents.
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Palate / Taste: Creamy mouthfeel with malt sweetness, honey, caramel; then oak spice (wood char, maybe some clove / cinnamon); citrus and fruit notes (apple, orange peel) appear, with a balancing herbal or earthy edge.
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Finish: Medium to long; vanilla, some sweet oak, lingering malt; mild dry note toward the end—wood tannin, subtle spice. Herbal or slightly earthy tones linger.
What Makes It Special
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It blends beer-brewing tradition with whisky distillation: using ale yeast, locally malted barley, and roots in the craft scene of Oregon gives it authenticity and terroir.
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While many whiskies strive for either sweet maltiness or heavy oak, Westward finds a middle path: strong malt base with noticeable oak influence without overwhelming the barley character.
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It helped pave the way (along with other innovators) for the American single malt category, demonstrating that locally sourced ingredients + careful maturation + clarity of vision can produce something distinct.
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths:
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Excellent “gateway” single malt for those more familiar with bourbon or whisky styles with noticeable oak, since it blends malt and oak in a friendly way.
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Good value for the flavor: the malt base, approachable proof, and oak aging make it satisfying neat or with minimal dilution.
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Good in cocktails that allow malt + oak interplay—Old Fashioned, Malt Manhattan, or gentle whisky highballs.
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