Review: Westward Single Malts – Vienna Malt and Vintner’s Cuvee High Proof
Portland, Oregon’s Westward Whiskey has dropped its first two two club releases for 2024, single malt special editions that are, as always, available direct from the distillery to members of its Whiskey Club subscription program (though you might also check at the distillery should you drop in for a visit).
We got bottles of both for review, and we’re going to head that way directly.
Westward Whiskey Single Malt Vienna Malt – So the story goes: “When Westward’s supplier delivered Vienna malted barley instead of their standard two-row pale, they had a decision to make: back down or venture forward.” Obviously they turned it into single malt whiskey, though no other information on the product is supplied. Very fruity on the nose, with notes of baked apples and maraschino cherries in equal proportions. Bold maple and butterscotch candy notes provide an enduringly sweet aroma, while time in glass brings forward a weighty barrel char quality. Things get a bit overblown in the wood department as the palate unfolds, an initial note of shortbread soon becoming tannic and rather smoky. Up front, it’s all toasted coconut, dark chocolate, and brown bananas — but these sweeter elements end up doing battle with the barrel in short order. They probably need some of that — the whiskey would be too sweet otherwise — but it’s still tough to find a proper balance in the mix. That said, a lively pistachio cream note on the finish evokes Italian pastries… or, I guess, Austrian ones. 90 proof. B / $100
Westward Whiskey Single Malt Vintner’s Cuvee High Proof – Hazmat fans may be surprised to discover that Westward classifies a whiskey as “high proof” at… 96 proof. To be fair, its products normally drop at 90 proof so, technically, 96 is high. Anyway, what we have here is a blend of single malt casks that have relied on wine barrels: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir are all represented. There’s no additional info beyond that, but you can tell from the enchanting color that red wine is in the mix, the hue a lovely shade of burnished bronze. The nose here is vastly different from the Vienna Malt, with a slightly savory, peppery, and herbal quality to the aromatics. Minimal sweetness or fruit percolate in favor of more strident aromas of lavender, rosemary, and evergreen leaves. The palate is seductive and rich — better than the nose with a more complex collection of flavors. Toasted almonds, milk chocolate, and 3 Musketeers nougat all make for a rousing start to the sip, while wine-driven tannins come into focus soon after. The finish evokes raisins and even prunes, with a gentle, grassy greenery quality ringing the edges. Minty and refreshing on the finish, with a touch of citrus peel evident. The clear standout in this duo. 90 proof. A- / $100
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