Toasted almonds | Pineapple | Apricot | Fennel | Malty | Bold

Bright stone fruit | Orange zest | Graham cracker | Honey | Peach pie | Punchy with warming heat | Delicious

Summer fruit | Tobacco | Cigar box | Bright with pleasing heat | Fruit persists against savory notes | Long

Westward Whiskey is located in Portland, Oregon and specializes in a category of whiskey that’s particularly notable right now, American single malt. This growing category is yet to be specifically defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), but due to industry pressure, the TTB recently proposed a definition for American single malt.

Presumably (and typically) made from a mash of 100% malted barley, the variation in malted barley flavors, from chocolate to smoke to citrus and everything in between, can produce a wide variety of flavor in American single malt and malt-focused whiskeys. Moreover, often drawing flavors more akin to typical Scotch, Irish, or Japanese whiskey styles, American-made malt whiskeys can find themselves in a strange but presumably good position as they are often made by distilleries that also produce other types of American whiskey such as bourbon. As the malt flavor profiles can be much more extreme compared to bourbon’s range, American single malts serve as a nice way for typical bourbon drinkers to expand their range into new and exciting areas.

What is unique about this particular release is its proof, as American single malts are rarely released at such a high proof. The result makes for an explosion of flavors that amplifies everything great about the whiskey’s lower proof counterpart, and adds a soiree of additional flavors delivered with wonderful intensity. Melding together fruit, citrus punch, honey, graham cracker, and savory notes in the finish makes for a complex and dynamic range of flavors that doesn’t veer too far away from what a typical bourbon drinker might enjoy. But it is just far enough to let you know it’s ventured into new territory. If you haven’t gotten on board with American single malt whiskey yet, Westward American Single Malt Whiskey Cask Strength will make a believer out of you.