Wednesday afternoon, September 29th, I was on the train to Amsterdam Central Station to attend a whisky dinner at JD William's whisky bar. I was invited by Bart’s Bottles to attend the dinner and, of course, to taste whisky. The distillery? Westwardan American Single Malt producer. I had no idea what to expect as I had no idea that American Single Malts existed and this is my first Whisky Dinner ever. Therefore, I am Bart’s Bottles very grateful for this invitation.
It was an informative afternoon in which chief distiller, Miles Munroe told us about their beautiful distilling process and passionately let us taste three different whiskies. Upon entering, we already got a taste of the Westward American single malt Pinot Noir Cask. A very robust and sweet entry.
Westward Distillery
Founded in 2004, Portland Oregon, Westward has been striving for almost two decades to create a product that truly adds something to the world of whisky. In their own unique way, the originally beer brewers have made whisky their craft. And you can really tell. The taste of the whiskies is full and robust. Their passion for the golden drink does not stop at making whisky. They are working as one of the front runners to make the Amercian Single Malt an official category within the whisky world. And are co-founders of the ASMWC (American Single Malt Whiskey Commission). So it struck me that they also list the product as "Whiskey" and not as Whisky.
Whisky Diner
Westward American Single Malt was the first official whisky we received as part of the Westward whisky dinner. A soft sweet whisky. Elegant and easy to drink. This whisky was paired with a small glass of IPA (Brothers in Law Gelato). Both gentle sweet drinks went very well together. For me this was certainly a surprise that you can very well drink a small glass of special beer together with a whisky. Then the Pinot Noir was served again, but this time paired with a Lager beer (Two Chefts Holy Gunther). It was soon clear to me that this American Single Malt would be my favourite. Rich in sweet fruit both on the nose and the tongue. And finally the Stout Cask paired with an Imperial Stout (Old Hickry Lindley Park). Although it was not my favourite of the day. The Stout Cask did surprise me in a positive way. With a dark roasted, robust pecan flavour and a dry, soft aftertaste, I very much enjoyed this whisky as well.
Westward is distinct, rich, brazen, and full of flavor. Balanced and bold.
An informative and pleasant afternoon that was concluded with an "Old Fashioned" made with the Westward Pinot Noir Cask Finish. I had the opportunity to taste a great whisky and meet new people from the Dutch whisky scene. Thanks again to Bart’s Bottles for the invitation!
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