WESTWARD American Single Malt Whiskey PINOT NOIR Cask 70 cl

Description

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Westward American Single Malt Pinot Noir Cask: Whiskey and Winemaking from the Pacific Northwest

Westward Whiskey is based in Portland, Oregon, a region associated with craft brewing, local grain production and the vineyards of the Willamette Valley. Its American Single Malt Pinot Noir Cask expression reflects these regional influences through a distinctive combination of barley-based whiskey production and maturation in former red wine barrels.

The whiskey begins with two-row barley malted in the Pacific Northwest. Westward approaches fermentation using techniques associated with American craft beer, brewing an ale from scratch and employing ale yeast to develop the flavour of the fermented grain.

The resulting liquid is double-distilled in copper pot stills, creating a spirit with a pronounced malt character. It is then matured in new American oak barrels that have been heavily toasted and lightly charred. This first maturation contributes toasted grain, caramel, vanilla and oak notes.

For the Pinot Noir Cask expression, the original single malt receives an additional finishing period in French oak wine barrels sourced from selected Willamette Valley producers. The finishing process can continue for up to two years.

Pinot Noir is one of the Willamette Valley's most important grape varieties. Its wines are associated with red-fruit aromas, earthy nuances and balanced tannins. The previously used wine casks influence the whiskey by adding another layer of fruit, spice and oak structure.

Westward Pinot Noir Cask presents an aromatic profile featuring orchard fruit, tobacco and freshly cut grass. On the palate, raisin, fig and apricot provide a rich fruit character, complemented by the underlying malt. The finish reveals dark chocolate, herbaceous oak and a gently drying influence from the wine casks.

Other tasting descriptions of this expression highlight toasted grain, vanilla, baking spice, stone fruit, roasted pecan and milk chocolate. These elements reflect the interaction between the original American single malt and the secondary maturation in Pinot Noir barrels.

At 45% ABV, the whiskey offers enough structure to showcase its cereal character alongside the wine-cask influence. It is best explored neat, allowing the aromas to develop gradually in the glass. A small addition of water may also be used according to personal preference.

The 70 cl Westward Pinot Noir Cask is an example of how American single malt producers can draw on local agricultural and winemaking traditions to create distinctive whiskey expressions.

On the nose, you'll find toasty notes, fruity hints, and a touch of spices like vanilla and cinnamon.

The palate suggests stone fruits, dried fruits like pecan and cocoa.

It's an intriguing version of Westward that's definitely worth trying