Westward American Single Malt Whiskey

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Description

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 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. 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.  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 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. 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.  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: 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. Good value for the flavor: the malt base, approachable proof, and oak aging make it satisfying neat or with minimal dilution. Good in cocktails that allow malt + oak interplay—Old Fashioned, Malt Manhattan, or gentle whisky highballs.

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