Westward Cask Strength Single Malt 750ML

Westward Cask Strength Single Malt 750ML is a 125-proof (62.5% ABV) American single malt whiskey from Portland, Oregon, bottled at full barrel strength in a 750ml format. Named to Whisky Advocate's Top 20 of 2022, this expression showcases the uncut intensity of Westward's ale-brewed distillation process — a method that begins not in a still house but in a brewhouse.

Quick Facts: ABV: 62.5% (125 Proof)  |  Origin: Portland, Oregon, USA  |  Style: Cask Strength American Single Malt  |  Distillery: Westward Whiskey (formerly House Spirits Distillery)

Production & Heritage

Westward Whiskey traces its roots to House Spirits Distillery, founded in Portland, Oregon. What distinguishes Westward from nearly every other American single malt is that production begins with a genuine brewing step: 100% Pacific Northwest two-row malted barley is mashed and fermented using Sierra Nevada's proprietary ale yeast strain, producing a fully drinkable beer before it ever enters a still. That wash is then double distilled in copper pot stills, concentrating the malt-forward character and fruity esters generated during fermentation. The Cask Strength expression skips dilution entirely, delivering the whiskey exactly as it comes from the barrel — uncut and unfiltered at 62.5% ABV.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with toasted sesame and shortbread before giving way to caramelized sugar, toasted almond, and a crack of black pepper. There is a subtle graham cracker sweetness beneath the intensity of the high proof.

Taste: Entry is immediate and warming, with a wave of heat across the front palate that quickly unfolds into layers of dark chocolate, cacao, and ripe stone fruit. The mid-palate reveals graham cracker, white pepper, and a minty fruitiness reminiscent of cherry dessert. A creamy, almost custardy mouthfeel balances the cask-strength intensity, with tobacco leaf and deep malt richness providing ballast through the peak.

Finish: Long, fiery, and rewarding. Honeyed malt, lingering oak, and spice carry through steadily, with tobacco and a final flicker of black pepper that fades slowly over several minutes.

How to Drink Westward Cask Strength

Neat with a few drops of water is the ideal starting point — even a small addition opens up the stone fruit and chocolate notes and tames the 125-proof heat without stripping complexity. On the rocks, the whiskey holds its structure remarkably well as ice slowly dilutes it toward a more approachable proof.

• Old Fashioned: The high proof and deep malt backbone stand up to sugar and bitters without disappearing, producing a richer, more textured take on the classic.
• Manhattan: Cacao and cherry-like fruit notes in the whiskey pair naturally with sweet vermouth, delivering a full-bodied Manhattan with unusual depth.
• Whiskey Sour: The custardy mouthfeel and honeyed malt create excellent balance with fresh citrus and egg white, resulting in a sour with real weight.

Best For

• Whiskey enthusiasts seeking barrel-proof American single malts outside the bourbon category
• Gifting a craft spirits collector who values brewing-meets-distilling innovation
• Side-by-side tastings comparing American single malt against Scotch or cask-strength bourbon
• After-dinner sipping on a cold evening when intensity and warmth are welcome

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Westward Cask Strength taste like? It leads with dark chocolate, cacao, and toasted sesame, layered over ripe stone fruit and graham cracker sweetness. The finish is long and spicy with honeyed malt, tobacco, and lingering oak warmth at full 125-proof intensity.

How does Westward Cask Strength compare to Booker's Bourbon? Both are uncut, cask-strength American whiskeys with bold flavor intensity, but Westward's 100% malted barley mashbill and ale-yeast fermentation produce a distinctly different profile — more chocolate and malt-driven versus Booker's corn-forward caramel and vanilla. Reviewers have noted that Westward combines the intensity of a bourbon like Booker's with the flavor variety found in single malt Scotch.

Is Westward Cask Strength good for sipping neat? Yes, though a few drops of water are recommended to open the full range of aromas and soften the 62.5% ABV. Experienced cask-strength drinkers will find plenty to appreciate at full proof, particularly the creamy mouthfeel and extended finish.

Where is Westward Cask Strength made? It is distilled at Westward Whiskey (formerly House Spirits Distillery) in Portland, Oregon, using 100% Pacific Northwest two-row malted barley sourced from the surrounding region.

What foods pair well with Westward Cask Strength? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cacao and malt notes directly. Smoked brisket or barbecue ribs match the whiskey's spice and tobacco character. Sharp aged cheddar plays well against the honeyed sweetness. Pecan pie mirrors the toasted nut and caramel elements, and charcuterie with dried fruit echoes the stone fruit and pepper notes.

What sizes does Westward Cask Strength come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Westward Cask Strength worth the price? It positions as a premium American single malt, priced above standard craft whiskeys but competitive within the cask-strength single malt category. Its inclusion in Whisky Advocate's Top 20 of 2022 and its genuinely unique ale-brewed production process lend strong value for serious whiskey drinkers.

Why Westward Cask Strength?

Very few American distilleries begin their whiskey-making process by actually brewing beer, and fewer still use a celebrated ale yeast strain from Sierra Nevada to do it. That brewing foundation generates a complexity of esters and malt character that conventional grain-in distillation simply cannot replicate. At 62.5% ABV, nothing is lost to dilution — every note of chocolate, sesame, stone fruit, and tobacco that the barrel produced reaches the glass intact. Recognition on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 list in 2022 confirmed what the American single malt community had already been saying: Westward Cask Strength is one of the most distinctive and well-executed barrel-proof whiskeys being made in the United States today.