For #ASMWAdvent2023 Day 1.

At my first visit to Westward in 2022 as a media guest (they called me a “blogger”, which is basically accurate) they graciously brought out for me their last open non-archive bottle of Sourdough Whiskey because I had indicated interest in the production process of that one during the tour. Trying this expression was on my wishlist but I felt it was likely impossible because I assumed they had long since sold out. I wrote this review on the spot but weirdly only ever posted it to Instagram prior to this.

In partnership with a local french bakery, Westward produced a batch of mash and fermented it using the bakery’s sourdough starter. Apparently it took a long time to ferment (about 2 weeks), smelled terrible for a while because of the bacterial action, and yielded slightly under a standard batch of Westward, which already typically uses a non aggressive brewer’s yeast and a long fermentation time (around a week). So this was scary and apparently not economical. Lucky for them, it turned out awesome after it was distilled and aged!

First impressions before tasting I suspected this might have shades of dundered rum from the influence of the bacterial action in the sourdough starter. But apparently very little of that funkiness made it through the still. The end product very much resembles a rye bread from a Jewish deli, or even pumpernickel thanks for the molasses notes contributed by the barrels.

I’m so glad I got to take notes on a dram I’d likely never try again.

Distillery: Westward

Bottler: Westward

Region/Style: American Single Malt Whiskey (Oregon)

ABV: 45%

Age: 3 years

Cask type: New charred oak (probably the typical #2 char typical for Westward casks)

Price: Was likely originally Westward’s standard special release price of $90. Currently available for $168.

Color: 1.2 chestnut | NCA No Color Added

Hands: pumpernickel bread

Nose: stone fruits, caramelized orange peel, hint of lavender, brown sugar, molasses, fennel, rye bread notes.

Palate: rich honeyed peaches, brown sugar, Caraway, fennel, nice pleasant wood bitterness, marzipan

Finish: dill, pepper, fennel, brown sugar, ango bitters

Conclusion: This overall defied my expectations of greatness by being great in a totally different way! This was a wonderful glass of whiskey that definitely retains the DNA of Westward, particularly some of the barrel notes and the particular care behind the brewing process which shows through in the glass as always, but the process is unique in the world of whiskey and produced a stellar and unique dram.

Buy a bottle? 5/5 value – absolutely! I would for MSRP. I’ve spent more for much less unique stuff.

Final Score: 87/100. Great!

(DemiTastes Review #82, ASMW #33.)

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.