Westward Whiskey, based in Portland, Oregon, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the launch of a special limited-edition release – Westward Whiskey Milestone Edition No. 2, also known as A Discovery of Spice. This annual series showcases the distillery's expertise in whiskey making, while pushing the boundaries of American Single Malt craftsmanship. Each edition in the Milestone series evolves over time, offering a unique experience with every release.
Image credit: Westward Whiskey
A Nod to Two Decades of Whiskey Mastery
Westward Whiskey has spent the past two decades perfecting its whiskey-making techniques, and the Milestone series is the pinnacle of that journey. Drawing on Old World winemaking traditions and blending them with American whiskey production, the series represents Westward's constant quest for innovation. The Milestone series, first introduced in 2023, is designed to honor their legacy and showcase the best of their craft.
The Solera system, a traditional method more commonly associated with winemaking, plays a crucial role in the creation of Westward Whiskey Milestone. This system involves stacking barrels of whiskey in tiers, where younger whiskey is gradually blended with older whiskey as it ages. For Westward, this system allows for the ongoing maturation of their most precious whiskies. Only a small portion of the whiskey is drawn off for each Milestone release, while new whiskey from their barrel house is added back to the system. This continuous blending process ensures that no two releases are ever the same.
Inspiration from Global Experiences
Master Blender Miles Munroe, who oversees the creation of each Milestone release, took inspiration for A Discovery of Spice from a trip to Taiwan. There, he experienced the unique flavors of local street food paired with whiskey, sparking the idea to enhance the spicy notes that are a hallmark of Westward Whiskey. Munroe sought to push these flavors to new heights by using exotic woods in the aging process and incorporating various cask finishes, including stout, pinot noir, and rum barrels. The result is a complex, rich whiskey that emphasizes the distinctive spice profile Westward is known for, but in a bolder, more refined way.
The Solera System: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Image credit: Westward Whiskey
Westward's use of the Solera system is a defining characteristic of the Milestone series. This method allows for the slow blending and aging of whiskeys, creating a constantly evolving flavor profile. The Solera system used for Milestone is made up of 21 barrels, many of which come from Oregon’s renowned Willamette Valley and other prestigious wine regions around the world. This combination of local and international barrels adds to the complexity and depth of the final product.
Munroe carefully selects some of the distillery’s oldest and most prized whiskeys to be included in the Solera system, ensuring each Milestone release is unique. As the whiskey continues to age and develop, new elements are introduced, making the final product richer and more layered over time. This year’s release incorporates some of the oldest whiskey Westward has ever produced, alongside new whiskey aged in exotic woods to bring out the spice notes Munroe wanted to highlight.
Tasting Notes: A Spice-Forward Experience
Image credit: Westward Whiskey
Westward Whiskey Milestone Edition No. 2 – A Discovery of Spice – is bottled at 48.5% ABV (97 proof) and delivers an intricate and bold tasting experience. It has been described as having an inviting aroma of honeysuckle, dried cherry, mocha, rich raisin, and toasted almond. On the palate, drinkers can expect flavors of peach streusel, rum raisin, coconut flake, and apple pie, bringing a sweet and fruity contrast to the spicy undertones. The finish is long and warm, with notes of fig jam, vanilla bean, stewed orchard fruits, and cinnamon roll – a delightful ending to an already complex whiskey.
This flavor profile not only reflects the mastery of blending by Munroe but also the innovative use of cask finishes and exotic woods that amplify Westward’s signature style. The influence of the stout, pinot noir, and rum barrels adds layers of complexity, creating a whiskey that is rich, spicy, and full of character.
A Tribute to the Pacific Northwest
Westward Whiskey has deep roots in the rugged and scenic Pacific Northwest, and this connection is reflected in the packaging of Milestone Edition No. 2. The whiskey comes in a custom-designed bottle that is meant to echo the landscape of the region, with its hot, dry, and rugged terrain. The bottle itself is heavy and features a sculpted blackbird on the weighted cork closure, symbolizing the brand’s iconic logo. Each bottle is individually numbered, making it a true collector’s item for whiskey enthusiasts. It is also presented in a premium gift box that pays tribute to Westward’s Northwest heritage.
Exclusivity and Availability
As a limited-edition release, Westward Whiskey Milestone Edition No. 2 is available in small quantities. The whiskey is priced at $249.95 for a 750 mL bottle and is currently available for purchase online through the Westward Whiskey website and select retailers across the United States. Given the exclusivity and craftsmanship involved in its production, the Milestone series is seen as one of the most ambitious and luxurious offerings from Westward to date.
Westward’s Commitment to Innovation
Thomas Mooney, Founder and CEO of Westward Whiskey, commented on the release, stating, “For twenty years, we have pushed the boundaries to elevate American whiskey. Harnessing this maker’s knowledge, we challenged ourselves to explore what the ultimate expression of Westward Whiskey could be. Milestone is our masterpiece - a truly special whiskey that celebrates the legacy of our past and the promise of our future.”
Munroe echoed these sentiments, adding that the Milestone series is a reflection of the distillery’s journey so far, as well as its future aspirations. By continually evolving the flavor profile with each annual release, Westward is setting a new standard for American whiskey, combining innovation with tradition to create something truly special.
Final Thoughts
Westward Whiskey Milestone Edition No. 2 – A Discovery of Spice – represents the culmination of two decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to pushing the limits of what American whiskey can be. From its meticulous Solera aging process to the bold flavors inspired by global experiences, this release stands as a testament to Westward’s mastery of the craft. For whiskey lovers looking for something truly unique, Milestone Edition No. 2 offers a rich, spice-forward experience that is unlike any other.
About Westward Whiskey
Westward Whiskey is an American craft distillery located in Portland, Oregon. Established in 2004, Westward is known for its dedication to producing American single malt whiskey with a focus on quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. The distillery has gained recognition for its unique approach to whiskey-making, embracing the terroir of the Pacific Northwest and showcasing the flavors of the region.
One of the defining features of Westward Whiskey is its use of locally sourced ingredients. The distillery uses Pacific Northwest two-row barley, which is malted in-house, contributing to the distinct character of its whiskey. Westward's commitment to terroir-driven whiskey aligns with the tradition of Scottish single malts while offering a distinctly American expression.
Westward's American single malt whiskey is crafted through a traditional pot still distillation process and matured in new American oak barrels. The aging process takes place in the temperate climate of the Pacific Northwest, allowing the whiskey to interact with the wood and climate, resulting in a well-balanced and nuanced flavor profile.
The flagship product of Westward is its Westward American Single Malt Whiskey, celebrated for its rich and full-bodied character. The whiskey often features notes of malt, honey, fruit, and a touch of oak, showcasing the influence of both the grains and the maturation process.
Westward Whiskey has received acclaim in the world of American craft whiskey, earning awards for its quality and innovation. The distillery's commitment to transparency and craftsmanship is reflected in its production methods and the unique character of its American single malt expressions.
Visitors to the Westward Distillery in Portland can experience guided tours and tastings, gaining insights into the whiskey-making process and the philosophy behind Westward's approach to American single malt. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I recommend checking the distillery's official website or contacting them directly for the latest information on their products and visitor experiences.