Westward Whiskey got it start in 2004, when American craft whiskey was still in its nascent stages. Since then, the Portland, Oregon-based brand has helped to push forward the American single malt category with its flagship expression, as well as a handful of cask-finished expressions influenced by pinot noir, stout beer, and rum. The latest addition to the portfolio is Westward Whiskey Milestone, the distiller’s first luxury release, which is crafted from a 21-barrel solera system that includes some of Westward’s oldest whiskeys.
Solera aging involves a fractional blending process, in which the finished product is a mixture of ages, with the newest release containing older and older stocks over time. In this case, the Westward team will draw off a small fraction of the whiskey each year, replacing it with something unique from the barrel house, and reserving the drawn-off spirit for the next iteration.
“Pulling from the archives, we have integrated some of our oldest whiskeys with a selection of beautiful wine and wood finishes, both from our home near Willamette Valley and from coveted winemaking regions around the world,” says Master Blender Miles Munroe.
According to the brand, this first Milestone release has aromas of candied citrus, heather honey, toasted almonds, and toffee. The palate brings flavors of raisin and plum, light butterscotch, cinnamon spice, and walnuts, and it all finishes with brown sugar, baking spices, rich dried fruit, and lingering vanilla.
Each custom bottle of Westward Whiskey Milestone is individually numbered and is accompanied by a gift box inspired by the company’s Northwest heritage. Boxes also contain a printed invitation to join the Milestone Society, which is open exclusively to bottle holders. Members receive more information on the making of Milestone, plus notifications about future limited Westward releases and access to events across the country.
Westward Whiskey Milestone is bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) and priced at $249.95. It’s available now and exclusively sold at westwardwhiskey.com.
