Westward Pinot Noir Cask Finish

Eagerly anticipated trying this. Tasting neat. Appears rosy brown with substantial coating legs. The nose presents a chocolate malted milkshake alongside tart strawberries and heavy cream. On the palate, I tasted chocolate, malted grain, wine barrel remnants, and mild smoky leather/oak tannins. Some tart berries/grapes and noticeable herbal, funky grassy notes emerge in the background. It has an oily coating mouthfeel – rich but not heavy. The flavor profile is surprising and unusual at first, but remains consistent across multiple sips; the novelty doesn't wear off. The finish brings out notes of dry cocoa and baking spices, leaning sweeter rather than hot. It's a soft, sweet and sour, oily finish that is relatively brief. While this is a classic American single malt, the prominent pinot cask finish makes it quite distinctive. I expect it will divide opinions. If wine-finished spirits aren't your thing, steer clear – the grape flavor is pronounced, and there aren't enough tannins or spice to balance it out. That's likely what I find lacking. It's very drinkable at 45% ABV, seeming softer than its stated strength. It's unusual, but not flawed. As always, I'll revisit this review after I've had more of the bottle.

My inaugural Westward experience, and I regret not trying it sooner! A generous gift from a close friend. This particular expression was aged and then finished in French oak that previously held Pinot noir from the same state (Oregon). The aroma is incredibly welcoming, like dessert in a glass. It's warm and substantial, with immediate strong notes of chocolate and malt. I also detected warm leather, a pleasant silkiness, mixed berries, and cocoa powder. A truly excellent nose, it genuinely smells like chocolate, even more so than a certain other well-regarded bottling. The taste features graham crackers and chocolate fudge, with a slight bite from the French oak. It's exceptionally good. This is easily among my favorite American-made spirits, and while I'm not an expert on U.S. whiskies, I've sampled others like THH and renowned domestic drams, and Westward is certainly doing things right, easily living up to the buzz. It's one of the finest whiskies I've encountered in years.

Attended a holiday gathering and tried this. Not much to report, since I didn't get to sit with it over several pours as is my habit. Still... This isn't usually my preference, but I enjoy sampling things I wouldn't normally purchase without tasting first. If you're into cask expressions finished in Pinot, Sherry, Cognac, etc., you'll likely enjoy this. Right from the start, the Pinot Noir finishing barrels hit hard. It's intensely fruity grape.

BLIND TASTING Nose: STRONG cocoa notes. Baking spices, dried fruits, fig, raisins, Madeira aroma. I'm already looking forward to the taste! Taste: dried wood, many spices, festive. Suggests Glendronach, perhaps GlenAllachie. Strong cask influence. A tiny sour finish. Based on what I've read about Glendronach Revival, this would be my guess. This is a great slow sipper, I really enjoyed this. Notes: nice dark color, suggesting sherry or a fortified wine. Rating: 4.5

Impressive. The aroma has berry pastry and vanilla. That berry flavor dominates the palate, which also features vanilla, loads of strawberry, grape, blueberry, and really, all kinds of berries. The finish leaves a rich, lingering chocolate cake taste. A fantastic, rich bottle.

The aroma is genuinely like grape Fanta while being in a bakery. The palate offers a taste of spicy boysenberry jam on homemade bread. It makes sense when you consider the components. This one is amazing and will be dangerously easy to drink at 130 proof.