Westward Whiskey American Two Malts

Whisky Tasting: The Oak Barrel, Sydney, January 14, 2021. Whisky #2 Nose: Malt-forward with sweet, fragrant ale notes, occasionally resembling incense. Hints of caramel toffee and a touch of black pepper. Palate: A sweet entry, very malty and rich, strongly evoking a full-bodied craft ale. The wash might have been akin to porter. As it develops, lighter nuances appear – nutty chocolate and nougat with preserved stone fruits. Possesses a great texture, smooth and opulent. Finish: Medium to long. Lightly spicy and sweet cereal notes. The nose carries a quality reminiscent of stout, which carries over to the palate with that distinct chocolate-malt flavor. This spirit has two distinct sides: the aromas and flavors are dominated by intense dark-ale maltiness from heavily roasted barley, while the wheat contributes lighter notes and, crucially, a full and smooth texture. Adding water diminishes the nose and significantly enhances the palate, revealing considerable spicy warmth. I found dilution disrupted its balance and would suggest enjoying this neat. This sample was from a special "Aussie Exclusive Release" (as indicated on the label), a single barrel selected for our market. The specific barrel (number 355) was aged for just under 4.5 years, yielding 120 bottles. This brought to mind recent Australian whiskies that also use a combination of barley and other grains, particularly the excellent Archie Rose Hybrid Malt Rye. This Westland shares a similar profile, though it leans closer to a Scottish malt character than the Archie Rose, with some parallels to Glenmorangie Signet. Given this, it's understandable that Australia is Westward Whiskey's second-largest market after the U.S. A good whisky, but unfortunately, like all U.S. imports, it's overpriced here, placing it in a category where superior spirits exist. It costs the same as a Longrow Red or Springbank 12 year old and doesn't quite measure up. However, this price point hasn't affected my score; I sometimes add a small bonus for exceptional value but don't deduct points solely for expense. "Very Good": 85/100 (4 stars)

On the nose, it presents coffee stout and raisins. It drinks similarly to a peaty scotch, yet lacks any smokiness. Smooth and balanced, with a coating mouthfeel. A lasting malty finish. A truly outstanding dram.

Starts with a musty aroma. The taste, however, is excellent and quite intriguing.