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Whiskey Review: Westward Whiskey High Desert to Klamath Basin

We review Westward American Single Malt NW Elements Series High Desert to Klamath Basin. It's made entirely from Oregon ingredients, including a barley variety bred at Oregon State University.

OVERALL RATING

10
$99.95
  • Courtney Kristjana is a leading US whiskey taster and aspiring Master of Scotch.
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Westward Whiskey American Northwest Elements Series: High Desert to Klamath Basin (image via Courtney Kristjana)

Tasting Notes

About:

45%ABV, 90 proof. 100% Oregon-made American single malt. Exclusive to Westward Whiskey Club members. 750ml $99.95.
Appearance:
Coppery chestnut
Nose:
The first thing I get is saline. Not just salt water, but the saltiness of cured meats on a charcuterie board. Still on the charcuterie board are juicy red grapes and fig jam. The malt is mellow throughout the nose and helps push everything forward. A stick of cinnamon and powdered sugar follows through near the end. It has a familiarity to it; however, it is unlike any other Westward American Single Malt. Taking in all the aromas together, it begins to have the scent of stale pipe tobacco that you find in a pocket of your grandfather’s dusty cardigan in the cedar closet.
Palate:
After taking too big of a swig, there is a lot to unpack. There is so much depth and character to this whiskey it is hard to find the right words. At the beginning, dry cinnamon and oak hit the front of the tongue and the back of the throat. The dram then moves along to black peppercorn for a bit of extra spice. I do not find it sweet at all. In fact, the single malt is very savory and earthy. The main note I taste in the body is hazelnut— or filberts, as we call them here in Oregon. Again, it is calling back to charcuterie. Toward the end, there is full tobacco leaf. The finish is sooty like cigar ash, and it leaves a glowing ember of warmth in the belly and throat.
Finish:
Comments:
This Westward Whiskey Club exclusive single malt shines. The American NW Elements Series: High Desert to Klamath Basin is a great first bottle to this series. The layers and depth of flavor really display the best of Oregon. One of the first whiskeys in Oregon that really shows that terroir is real. It’s a standalone whiskey for sure, because no other whiskey compares.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Courtney Kristjana

Courtney Kristjana is a leading whiskey taster in the United States. Inspired by an article on Heather Greene, she left her career in Gerontology to pursue her passion for whiskey. Currently studying to become a Master of Scotch, Courtney dreams of one day being nominated for the Keepers of the Quaich. Her reviews may be as strong as the peat in her scotch, but she guarantees honesty, integrity, and an open mind.

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