Westward Whiskey Honors Women’s History Month With Benefit Barrel

by Gary Carter
March 18, 2022

Westward Whiskey is honoring Women’s History Month this month with two key initiatives, one of which is a new “Women of Westward” single malt release.

As part of what’s described as Westward’s ongoing commitment to female leadership in the spirits industry, as they have over the past three years, they will honor and toast to their own dynamic team of women, and all women, with:

WOMEN OF WESTWARD BENEFIT BARRELS

Since 2020, Westward’s raised nearly $20,000 for women’s causes via the release of three Westward American Single Malt Benefit Barrels, of which 100% of proceeds were contributed to partnering charities. There are still a handful of bottles in stock for 2022.

ACSA’S STEPUP FOUNDATION

Additionally, Westward was selected as the first-ever distillery host for the STEPUP Foundation, ACSA’s comprehensive internship program dedicated to creating more gender and racial diversity within distilled spirits. Westward is currently working alongside Erin Lee, an Asian-American woman who parlayed her experience in fashion and management to pursue her passion for whiskey.

The Women of Westward single malt clocks in at 90 proof and has a suggested retail price of $99.99. (image via Westward Whiskey)

The Women of Westward Benefit Barrel formally launched in 2021 and is available on WestwardWhiskey.com with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting two charities: Al Otro Lado and Black Mamas Matter Alliance.

Al Otro Lado provides holistic legal and humanitarian support to indigent refugees, deportees, and other migrants in the US and Tijuana through a multidisciplinary, client-centered, harm reduction-based practice.
Black Mamas Matter Alliance is a black women-led cross-sectoral alliance that centers black mamas to advocate, drive research, build power, and shift culture for black maternal health, rights, and justice.

The Women of Westward barrel was selected by the all-woman 2021 Barrel Selection Panel, which consists of drinks industry influencers from around the country, including:

Alexis Belton-Tinoco (she/her): Bar Director, The Aviary.
Ashtin Berry (she/her): Bartender, Educator, Equity Worker.
Emily Mistell (she/her): Owner/Beverage Director, Hey Love.
Lauren Paylor (she/her): Owner + Co-Founder Focus on Health.
Natasha David (she/her): Co-Owner, You & Me Cocktails.
Tiffanie Barriere (she/her): Bartender, Educator, Innovator.

The Women of Westward single malt clocks in at 90 proof and has a suggested retail price of $99.99.

The distiller’s notes show the single malt to have an aroma of caramelized sugar, honeysuckle, and banana. On the palate, it tastes of vanilla spice, ripe tart fruit, and banana bread. It finishes buttery, with dried fall spices and rich malt.