Westward Whiskey, a renowned distillery hailing from Portland, Oregon, has unveiled the second edition of its Artisan Sourdough Whiskey. This latest release marks the distillery's third Whisky Club offering in 2023 and is a collaborative creation between Westward and James Beard Award-winning baker, Ken Forkish. The announcement of this release was made by One More Dram.
Westward's Sourdough Whiskey originally made its debut in 2020, presenting a unique twist in the world of whiskey by incorporating Forkish's sourdough levain in lieu of the more conventional pale ale yeast. The 2023 edition is bottled at a robust 90 proof and is available exclusively to whiskey club members through the distillery's website, with a price tag of $100.
This latest release represents a skillful blend of four vintages spanning multiple years, showcasing Westward's commitment to crafting exceptional whiskey with a distinct character. The distillery touts the 2023 release as a continuation of the success achieved with the inaugural release in 2020. Notably, the 2020 fermentation process was described as "by far the longest and most challenging ferment we've achieved to date" by Westward Whiskey's Head Distiller, Miles Munroe, in an interview with Imbibe in September 2020.
Tasting Notes for the Westward x Ken's Artisan Sourdough Whiskey 2023:
Nose: Rye spice, vanilla wafer, peppermint, heather honey.
Taste: Creamy butterscotch, minty spice, earthy, herbaceous.
Finish: Stone fruit, chocolate, vanilla bean.
The 2023 release is exclusively available to members of Westward's quarterly Whiskey Club, which offers a range of unique offerings from the distillery. Membership to the club is complimentary, allowing participants to purchase the whiskey of their choice. In addition to granting members access to rare distillery releases, the club provides tickets to Westward's pick-up parties and special events, creating a vibrant whiskey community.
Westward Whiskey is no stranger to innovative experimentation, as evidenced by their previous release of a whiskey finished for 14 months in Grand Cru Sauternes casks, a distinctive expression that garnered attention and acclaim.
About Westward Whiskey
Westward Whiskey is a distinguished distillery located in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon. This distillery has earned a notable reputation for its commitment to crafting exceptional American whiskey with a unique twist, setting it apart in the world of spirits. Westward Whiskey's dedication to innovation and collaboration has made it a standout player in the whiskey industry.
One of the standout offerings from Westward Whiskey is its Artisan Sourdough Whiskey, which garnered attention upon its initial release in 2020. This whiskey represents a departure from convention as it incorporates sourdough levain, a key ingredient used by James Beard Award-winning baker Ken Forkish, rather than the typical pale ale yeast. This innovative approach to whiskey-making introduces distinctive flavors and aromas that intrigue whiskey enthusiasts.
The 2023 release of Westward's Artisan Sourdough Whiskey, the second edition of this unique expression, continues to captivate whiskey aficionados. Bottled at a robust 90 proof, this whiskey demonstrates the distillery's commitment to producing bold and flavorful spirits. It is offered exclusively to members of Westward's Whiskey Club, allowing them to access this exceptional release directly from the distillery's website.
Westward Whiskey is known not only for its remarkable whiskey but also for its vibrant whiskey community. The Whiskey Club, which features quarterly releases like the Artisan Sourdough Whiskey 2023, offers enthusiasts an opportunity to be part of an exclusive club that grants access to rare distillery releases and invites members to special events and gatherings. This sense of community and shared passion for whiskey sets Westward apart as a brand that values its supporters.
The distillery's commitment to experimentation is another hallmark of its identity. Westward Whiskey has ventured into unique cask finishes and innovative aging techniques, pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making. This spirit of innovation and collaboration is reflected in each bottle, making Westward Whiskey a distinctive and exciting player in the ever-evolving world of American whiskey.
In summary, Westward Whiskey is a dynamic and innovative distillery based in Portland, Oregon, known for its exceptional American whiskey offerings. With a focus on collaboration, unique ingredients, and a vibrant whiskey community through its Whiskey Club, Westward continues to push the boundaries of whiskey-making, delivering distinctive and bold flavors that captivate the palates of whiskey enthusiasts.
