Apricot | Cantaloupe | Walnut | Green tea | Toasted oak | Touch of cinnamon

Honey | Mint | Pecan | Dried fruit | Light roasted malt | Thick mouthfeel

Sandalwood | Dried fruit | Leather | Light spicy cinnamon | Touch of lingering wood & green tea

Westward Whiskey is one of the premier American single malt whiskey makers in the United States. Their standard expression is elegant and sophisticated, and their cask strength version ramps up everything that’s great about it to a pitch perfect degree. They’ve released a number of variations and finished versions of their standard whiskey over the years, but many fans have been eagerly awaiting a release that upped its age. Members of the company’s Westward Whiskey Club got a taste of this with the company's latest offering. Though it doesn’t state an age on the bottle, the company confirmed with us that it was aged 7 years, presumably making this release their oldest yet.  

The difference in age is noticeable right from its start. Beautifully rich scents of apricot,  cantaloupe, walnut, green tea, toasted oak, and cinnamon all spring from the glass in a highly effective manner. The palate features layers of mint, honey, pecan nuttiness, dried fruit, and light roasted malt. The finish highlights a pronounced sandalwood note that is heavy and is nicely complemented by additional dried fruits notes along with leather, spicy cinnamon, and a lingering wood and green tea aftertaste.

Any question about whether Westward Whiskey would taste better at an older age can be put to rest with this release. The answer is a resounding yes. That’s not to say the standard expressions doesn’t have anything left to say, as its overall brightness is a positive result of its relative youth. Westward Whiskey Bottled In Bond American Single Malt looks to be a snapshot of where Westward Whiskey is headed, and for anyone who is a fan of American single malts, that’s an exciting proposition.