A little background

Located in Portland, Oregon, Westward Whiskey has been been a leading voice for American Single Malt for nearly two decades. According to Westward, the process begins by brewing an artisanal American Ale from scratch, using locally malted barley, ale yeast, and a slow, low-temperature fermentation. They then twice distill in custom low-flux pot stills before maturing their whiskey new, lightly charred American Oak barrels. Westward American Single Malt is made from 100% malted barley, bottled at 90 proof, and carries a suggested retail price of $70 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Light Gold

Nose

Lemon, honey, peaches, marshmallow, vanilla, and baking spices.

Palate

Sweet and light! Honey, peaches, brown sugar, hot cereal, simple syrup, vanilla, malt, and milk chocolate.

Finish

A lingering chocolate note, along with continued flavors of peaches, honey, vanilla, malt, and baking spice. The finish is pleasantly long.

In closing

Westward American Single Malt really stood out to me and might be one of the best American Single Malts I’ve tried to date. There is a very pleasant peach note throughout, along with creamy vanilla, chocolate, and baking spice. This is a very approachable single malt that would likely appeal to a bourbon, scotch, or Irish Whiskey drinker. The flavor profile is delicious and the mouthfeel was thick and rich. Westward American Single Malt is quite impressive and one that I’d recommend giving a try!

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Westward Distillery. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.