Westward Stout Cask Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)

Set to be part of the core range, Westward's latest addition has been transferred into ex-stout casks for approximately one year. The casks are sourced from breweries around the state including Bent Shovel, Breakside, Culmination, Ex Novo, Fort George, Migration and Sky High. A subtle chocolatey theme pervades this whiskey, the aromas suggesting fruit'n'nut chocolate, the entry offering more chocolatey malt with the grassy freshness of the distillate adding zing to the finish. Rounded in the mouth, it fades with dustings of cocoa and delicately fruity malt. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

Other reviews... Tropical and floral on the nose, with kiwi, mango, hibiscus, coconut cream, and pistachio and almond halva; add water and a big burst of honeysuckle blooms. There are more tropical notes on the palate: melon, guava, pineapple, and Juicy Fruit, as well as almond, coffee ice cream, milk chocolate, and spice. The mouthfeel is robust, becoming mouthwatering on the finish, which is oak-led but balanced with floral hop character. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Susannah Skiver Barton (Summer 2020)

There is a fragmentary moment, just after delivery, when all is right in the world: the malt has blossomed like a rhododendron on steroids, the palate is thick with delightful gristy sugars and light maple syrup... then the darker clouds return. Again, it is in the form of bitterness from the distillate. Technically flawed, but those malty moments, plus some late dark chocoalte, which ensures some delicious moments. [45% Alc./Vol. batch reviewed] 86 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021