Westward American Single Malt Whiskey: Single Barrel

Having resided in Portland for several years, I had the opportunity to witness this distillery's evolution from a farmer's market stall to a prominent tasting room on the Willamette River, and its subsequent acquisition by Diageo. This is a truly distinctive single malt that doesn't always align with my preferences, but its quality is consistent and its character is undeniably of the Pacific Northwest, ensuring it will always hold a place in both my bar and my heart. This is the 2019 single barrel from K&L Wines, B-236-11, bottled at 65.5% ABV. Initial impressions upon opening: The first aromas hint at the Master Distiller's background in craft beer, smelling strongly of a hoppy, yeast-forward sour ale. This opens up considerably over time; the nose becomes bready and sweet with emerging scents of sugar donut and wood polish. On the palate, the yeast and wood are dominant, and their balance is inconsistent, with flavors sharply shifting between pine sap and beer. The initial profile is fresh yet bitter, abundant with fruit, pinewood, and yeast. It's complex to decipher, but it seems to present notes of underripe grapefruit, freshly cut pine, hops, brewer's yeast, and malt extract. The finish is long and cooling, leaving a slightly bitter herbal aftertaste. Overall, this malt has a resinous and herbal quality, reminding me of some rum cask expressions I've sampled (specifically the 2019 Glen Scotia special release). If regional character is important, this truly embodies the PNW in a bottle.

Westward American Single Malt Barrel #B-236-11 / 65.5% ABV Nose - (without water) Dark caramel, light oaky toffee, malted milk, a hint of dark chocolate, light cherry syrup (with water) Brighter nose, more green/young oak character, caramel & toffee, minty cherry dark chocolate Taste - (without water) Intense brown sugar syrup, a bit hot & drying, rich caramel, light herbal/minty character, fresh peppercorns (with water) Drying oaky heat, sweet lightly "green" oak brown simple syrup, fruity/oaky peppercorn heat, slightly fruity funk but in a pleasant way Finish - (without water) Heat fades fairly quickly, lingering sweet brown simple syrup, light herbal/medicinal sweetness (with water) Light herbal/medicinal sweetness, not unpleasant, but very distinctive & very long lasting Score - 87/100 Final Thoughts - This was surprisingly drinkable without water even with the high proof, and I actually think I preferred it without water. It had a more intense caramel sweet heat without water, and water just brought out this medicinal funk that, while not unpleasant, wasn't my favorite. For an American single malt, this tastes & smells very similar to a bourbon but with a single malt mouthfeel. Overall, this is quite good; it's not something I'd regularly choose, but for an American single malt, it's quite tasty. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Perhaps Would I buy a bottle? - Perhaps

The aroma is vibrant and full, with a strong presence that is both malty/dessert-like and rustic/spicy. The palate is astonishing and improves with each sip, delivering a more intense, though less intricate, version of the aroma's promise. The finish is a long, gradual fade, warm with notes of copper, fruit, and a touch of hop-like earthiness.

Very unique! Brownie batter, red wine, brown sugar, and cinnamon on the nose. The taste brings more of the Pinot Noir, some wonderful light smoke, and sea spray.

Deep chocolate notes on the nose. Smooth taste with a somewhat harsh finish due to the high proof.