Westward American Single Malt Whiskey Pinot Noir Cask Review

Frank Dobbin -

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Westward Whiskey
  • MASH BILL: 100% Malted Barley
  • AGE: NAS - No Age Statement, but finished up to 2 years
  • YEAR: 2022
  • PROOF: 90 Proof (45% ABV)
  • MSRP: $83


FRANK'S REVIEW OF WESTWARD AMERICAN SINGLE MALT PINOT NOIR CASK

SHARE WITH: It's a no brainer to share this with anyone that knows their bourbon but you should get major points by sharing this one with your boss or father-in-law. The nose alone will make them think you spent way more than $55 on this bottle.

WORTH THE PRICE: Absolutely when compared to so many other $55+ bottles hitting the market that aren't worth your time or money. It almost makes you forget you're not drinking a single barrel cask strength release.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle. Stock up now. This one is going to fly off the shelves folks.

OVERALL: What begins with plum, leather, and roasted barley soon morphs into walnut, black pepper, and red grape on the palate. This harmonious blend of flavors take turns strutting their stuff as the flavor wheel spins round-and-round on repeat sips with each note being given room to grow. Marked by a lushness on the front end of the palate before the wine influence gives way to a tannic finish that keeps you reaching for more, there's a lot to like about this expression.

Westward has been producing American single malts since 2004, meaning they're no strangers to the category which has truly been blossoming of late. Founder and Master Distiller Christian Krogstad started the brand with the intention to create a "distinctive American Single Malt inspired by the American Northwest." It's an idea that shows up in their branding and even right on the bottle which features raised-writing on the glass that says "True Northwest." For this expression they further that mission by highlighting pinot noir, which their home state of Oregon has become increasingly known for, in this impressively balanced finished whiskey.

With a price that won't offend and an even-handed blend that showcases both the base spirit and the finishing cask in equal measure, Christian Krogstad has once again demonstrated Westward's deft touch for craftsmanship. Try it first if you must, but you'll surely regret not having a bottle at home once you do.


BRAND TASTING NOTES

A tribute to Oregon’s legendary Willamette Valley wine country, this elegant whiskey is influenced by the region’s premier grape varietal: Pinot Noir.

While others look within whiskey to innovate with sherry and port cask finishes, Westward looks beyond it for a twist on tradition to honor the American Northwest. This cask-finished whiskey reflects the vibrance of the Valley’s signature grape while allowing the bold, robust notes of our whiskey to shine through. Our Pinot Noir Cask begins with our original Westward American Single Malt, which is then finished for up to two years in French Oak wine casks from a handful of award-winning producers in the region.