Westward Adds A Pinot Noir Cask Finish Alongside Updated Bottle Design

Westward Whiskey, considered one of the better known American single malt whiskey makers in the United States, has on its hands a new variant of its flagship expression that’s finished in ex-pinot noir barrels. This release occurs as the brand also relaunches its bottle design and logo.

The new Westward American Single Malt Pinot Noir Cask, according to those behind it, is described as a blend of cask-finished whiskeys that were created “in partnership with a handful of iconic Willamette Valley producers, including Bergstrom Wines and Suzor Wines, among others. The spirit reflects the vibrance of the winemaking region’s signature grape while allowing the bold, robust notes of the whiskey to shine. Westward’s Pinot Noir Cask begins with original Westward American Single Malt, which is made from scratch using Pacific Northwest two-row barley, brewed with American pale ale yeast for outstanding flavor, double pot distilled for exceptional character, and matured in 2-char, kiln dried 53-gallon new American oak barrels.

“The whiskey is then finished for up to two years in French Oak wine casks that previously held Pinot Noir.” It is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV) and priced around $90 per 750 ml bottle.

Official tasting notes for it make mention that it is “fruity and robust, with plum, apricot leather, and chocolate ganache notes. Flavors include apple, plantain, and nutmeg, with a rich, dried fruit and sweet malt finish.”

With regards to the brand relaunch, Westward indicated of its new bottle design that they are paying respect to their Northwest roots with the words “True Northwest” on it. Furthermore, it is said the bottle’s visual overhaul is “a tribute” to the region’s natural surroundings and those that make this whiskey, with the “cuts and edges reflected in the bottle mirror the raw beauty and dramatic mountain ranges found in the American Northwest, Likewise, the new, angular label is designed to reflect the mountain peaks of Westward’s origin and capture the craftsmanship that goes into perfecting its whiskeys every day.”

“At Westward, there are no shortcuts, and therein lies the beauty. We pursue perfection by raising a world class whiskey through our long, slow, process,” said Thomas Mooney, CEO and Co-Founder, Westward Whiskey, in a prepared statement. “Today, we celebrate the culmination of a project we have worked on for the last two years. Our new custom bottle and design expresses the uncompromising spirit of the American Northwest, and they represent Westward’s meticulous devotion to our process, culture, climate, and ingredients.

“We’re thrilled to introduce a new, elevated visual identity that further highlights the beauty of our award-winning whiskeys.”