Westward Pinot Noir Cask Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)

This cask-finished American malt begins with Westward's original single malt, which is then finished for up to two years in French oak wine casks sourced from a handful of award-winning Pinot producers in the region. The bouquet retains most of the character noted in the standard bottling, with the addition of baking spices (nutmeg?) and a subtle prune overlay. Medium bodied, pleasingly spicy with a light injection of dried peach, Turkish Delight and bitter dark chocolate, then papaya; the palate shows moderate length with a fairly brisk, warming aftertaste. Think of it as a spiritous tribute to Oregon’s Willamette wine country. Tasted from a 30ml sample. 45% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... The nose balances enticing aromas of tropical fruit—mango, jackfruit, papaya—with earthy clay and dark chocolate, a harbinger of the bright sweetness of the palate, which sings with grapefruit, lemon-lime zest, kiwi, and pineapple soda, plus roasted nuts and semi-dark chocolate. The texture is waxy, verging to oily with a few drops of water, but never heavy. Though the finish is short, it’s complete, rounded out with white pepper, jackfruit, and grapefruit oil. 89 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Susannah Skiver Barton (Spring 2021)

‍...Having visited Westward’s distillery, the company takes great care in the wine casks it sources to finish their whiskey. This seems to be a common practice with wine-finished whiskeys that stand out over others. Much like the barrels producers age in, the barrels they finish in can mean just as much to the final product. Westward American Single Malt Pinot Noir Cask is another fine example of Westward’s distilling and finishing prowess. Nicely balanced all around with a touch more intensity than some of their other releases, Westward Pinot Noir Cask finished whiskey is spot on. The whiskey is quite approachable thanks to a soft blend of grape, plum, and pear that’s nicely accented with oak, leather, and roasted malt. Much like its finish, its malt base isn’t overpowering and plays well with the other parts of the whiskey making for a rather enjoyable sipper. - breakingbourbon.com

Notes from the producers...  fruity and robust, with plum, apricot leather, and chocolate ganache notes. Flavors include apple, plantain, and nutmeg, with a rich, dried fruit and sweet malt finish.