We one way or the other missed Westward’s inaugural Milestone launch, a whiskey billed, with no scarcity of breathless pleasure within the press launch, because the Oregon distillery’s “most bold, restricted, and unique” providing ever. The product of a 21-barrel solera system and gradual proofing, Milestone is actually an infinity bottling, reportedly comprised of a few of their oldest and rarest casks (however with out additional specifics). The second version launched this fall celebrates Westward’s twentieth anniversary and carries a subtitle, The Discovery of Spice, which I’ll allow them to clarify.
Impressed by a go to to Taiwan and a transformative avenue meals pairing he skilled with every of Westward’s flagship expressions, Grasp Blender Miles Munroe launched into an expedition to take the American Single Malt producer’s signature spice notes to unparalleled heights by incorporating new, unique woods to amplify the traits from their iconic and modern cask finishes – together with Stout, Pinot Noir, and Rum. The result’s a whiskey worthy of the journey, one which strikes a definite steadiness between Westward’s signature model and beforehand undiscovered aromas and flavors.
I’m unsure what different unique woods Mr. Munroe integrated into this launch, however the presence of Brazilian oak (Amburana) is unmistakable — however well-integrated into the layered, nearly sultry, aroma. Fruity high notes of well-baked banana bread, black raisins, and stewed peaches complement a basis of roasted walnut, sugared almonds, and telltale aromatic notes of sandalwood and Ceylon cinnamon. As soon as issues absolutely open, gently candy chocolate dominates, alternating between darkish fudge and airier cocoa powder. With sufficient time within the glass, it transforms into an elaborate, well-spiced sizzling chocolate.
The palate retains a few of that wealthy chocolate character, however it’s not almost as distinguished, with a lot of darkish spice and fruit providing loads of counterbalance. Early notes of grilled peaches, marmalade, and Almond Pleasure sweet bar give method to pronounced, at occasions nearly prickly, barrel spice, with the Amburana significantly heavy. Chili flakes simmer throughout the midpalate, together with woody cinnamon, Madagascar vanilla bean, grated nutmeg, and a little bit of Chinese language 5 spice. Contemporary-baked gingerbread finally takes over, heading into an extended, piquant end of floor ginger, raisin-filled oatmeal cookies, and clove-studded oranges. It’s a rollercoaster of taste, in contrast to something I’ve encountered in American single malt. And a becoming celebration of two spectacular a long time of whiskey-making at Westward.
97 proof.
A- / $250
Westward Milestone Version No. 2
$250
