Westward Pinot Noir Cask Finish

Been waiting to find this. Tasting neat. Rosy brown and strong coating legs in the glass. Chocolate malted milkshake on the nose with tart strawberries and heavy cream. Chocolate, malted grain, wine barrel residue, and soft smoky leather/oak tannins in the mouth. A little sour berries/grapes with some prominent herbal funky grassy flavors at the back. An oily coating mouthfeel--very rich feeling but not heavy. Surprising and unusual flavor profile at first taste, but it is consistent over multiple sips--the "surprise"-factor doesn't fade. In the finish, some dry cocoa and baking spices show up, sweeter rather than hot. Finish is soft, sweet and sour, oily, and relatively short. A classic American single malt style, but definitely unusual given the prominent pinot cask finish. I'm guessing that will be polarizing. If you don't like wine-finished whiskey then don't bother with this--the grape is strong in this one, and there's not a lot of tannins or spice to counterbalance. I guess that's what I'm missing. Very easy to drink at 45% ABV --seems softer/lower than that. Unusual, but not bad or broken. As always, I will revist this review as I sip this bottle down.

My first Westward and idk why I waited so long! Generously gifted to me by one of my best buddies. This particular bottle is matured and then finished in French oak that held Suzor Wine Pinot noir from the same state (Oregon). The nose is incredibly inviting and dessert in a glass. Warm and thick. Very strong level of chocolate and malt right away. Warm leather along with a nice silkiness, mixed berries and cocoa powder. A damn good nose. It literally smells like chocolate, even more so than Signet from Glenmo. The palate brings graham crackers and chocolate fudge with a faint bite from the French oak. It’s extremely excellent. Easily one of my favorite American made drams and I’m no expert on the American side but I’ve had THH and other renowned drams in the U.S. and Westward are doing things right and easily live up to the hype. One of the best whiskies I’ve had in years.

Had this at a Christmas party tonight. I don't have a lot to say about it, as I couldn't really sit with it for a few pours, as I would normally do. That said... This is not my typical jam. But I like to try things that I know I would never "buy before I try". If you like those Pinot, Sherry, Cognac, etc. Cask expressions, I think you'll dig this. From the first sip, I got blasted with the Pinot Noir finishing barrrels. Fruity grape through and through. That's all I got! 2.75 stars for being different.

BLIND TASTING Nose: STRONG cocoa notes. Baking spices, dried fruits, fig, raisins, Madeira aroma. I’m already looking forward to the taste! Taste: dried wood, many spices, Christmasy. Suggestive of glendronach, perhaps Glenallachie. Strong cask finish. Tiny sour finish. Based on what I’ve read about glendronach revival, this would be my guess. This is a great slow sipper, really enjoyed this Notes: nice dark color, suggestive of sherry or a fortified wine. Rating: 4.5

Great ASM. Berry pastry and vanilla on the nose. That berry note is very strong on the pallet. The pallet is a little vanilla with loads of strawberry, grape, raisin, blueberry, all the berries really. Finish had a lingering chocolate cale note which is very rich. Great rich bottle.

Seriously, like grape Fanta on the nose while sitting in a bakery. Palate has a spicy boisenberry jam on homemade bread taste. Makes sense if you break down the ingredients. This one is fantastic and is going to be easy too easy to drink at 130 proof.