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Westward makes American single malt in Portland, Oregon. Single malt means 100% malted barley from one distillery, the same rule Scotch follows. The process is where Westward goes its own way. They start by brewing a full ale from Northwest two-row barley and ale yeast, double-distill it in pot stills, and age it in new American oak that's heavily toasted and lightly charred. That's Westward Original.
For this bottle they take Original and finish it for up to two years in French oak casks that held Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. The wine casks add red fruit, a little earthy spice, and a touch of tannin. It doesn't drink like wine. It drinks like a malt with more fruit and a drier edge.
American single malt became an official US whiskey category in January 2025, after years of American distillers pushing for it. This is a good bottle to learn what the category tastes like.
Poured by Whiskey-of-the-Month Club Explorer members in September 2026.
What is American single malt?
Whiskey made from 100% malted barley, distilled entirely at one US distillery, aged in oak barrels up to 700 liters, and bottled at 80 proof or higher. The federal government made it an official category in January 2025.
Will it taste like wine?
No. The Pinot Noir casks shape the finish: more red fruit, a little tannin, a drier edge. The base is still malt whiskey.
How is it different from Scotch?
Same grain, different method. Westward brews its own ale first, uses ale yeast, and ages in new American oak. Most Scotch goes into used barrels.
