The Pacific Northwest’s Westward Whiskey recently introduced its third club release of the year, an acclaimed collaboration called the Westward x Ken’s Artisan Sourdough Whiskey.
A statement from the Portland whiskey maker notes that this 2023 vintage blend marks Westward’s second edition of Sourdough, a collaboration with James Beard award-winning baker, Ken Forkish.
Westward partnered with Forkish to incorporate his heralded French Sourdough Levain yeast in the place of the whiskey’s usual pale ale yeast.
The distiller noted that the goal was to remain faithful to Westward’s trademark style in all other aspects, from double pot distillation to aging in new, heavily toasted and lightly charred American oak barrels.
Then, a two-week fermentation process yielded a host of new flavors.
Master Blender Miles Munroe said, “At Westward, we are dedicated to our Sourdough lineage, and this whiskey is a proud addition to our Club release library. We have kept our members waiting for three years now, but we are confident this second edition was worth the wait.”
He explained that this creative whiskey reflects a mingling of four different vintages from across the years, which builds on the success of Westward’s inaugural 2020 Sourdough release.
His tasting notes show the Sourdough release to have aromas of rye spice, vanilla wafer, peppermint, and heather honey. On the palate are notes of butterscotch, minty spice, and an earthy, herbaceous tone. It finishes with stone fruit, chocolate, and vanilla bean flavors.
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Westward x Ken’s Artisan Sourdough Whiskey – 2023 Vintage Blend clocks in at 90 proof, and has a suggested price of $99.95. It’s available now, exclusively for Westward’s Whiskey Club members.
For more information or to join the Westward Whiskey club, check out www.westwardwhiskey.com/pages/the-club.
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