Red grapes | Cherry | Raspberry | Mixed nuts | Toasted oak | Perfect intensity

Grape | Plum | Pear | Light char

Leather | Grass | Light roasted malt | Touch of heat | Medium length | Lingering malt aftertaste

Located in Portland, Oregon, the state's cool wet winters have perhaps had a good deal of influence on Westward’s American Single Malt Whiskey. This easy-sipping pinot noir finished whiskey isn’t quite as delicate as their standard American Single Malt Whiskey, but it follows Westward’s style of sophistication over shock value.

‍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.