Westward American Single Malt 750ML

Westward American Single Malt 750ML is a 45% ABV (90 proof) American single malt whiskey from Portland, Oregon, distilled entirely from Pacific Northwest malted barley. It earned a Double Gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, cementing its reputation as one of the most compelling expressions in the emerging American single malt category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45%  |  Origin: Portland, Oregon, USA  |  Style: American Single Malt (NAS)  |  Distillery: House Spirits Distillery

Production & Heritage

House Spirits Distillery, founded by Christian Krogstad in Portland, Oregon, takes an unconventional approach to single malt whiskey. Rather than following Scotch tradition, Westward begins its process by brewing an artisanal American ale from scratch using locally sourced two-row malted barley, craft ale yeast, and a slow, low-temperature fermentation. This beer-like wash is then double pot distilled and aged in new charred American oak barrels — a choice that distinguishes it sharply from its Old World counterparts and imparts a bold, wood-driven backbone. The result is a 100% malted barley whiskey that bridges the gap between craft brewing culture and distilling tradition.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe stone fruit — peaches and lemon — layered over vanilla cream and honey. Deeper investigation reveals toffee, hazelnut butter, dark roast coffee, and a gentle barley bread character that nods to the ale-yeast fermentation.

Taste: The entry is a rush of sugary sweetness: creamed honey, brown sugar, and caramel that gives way to concentrated malty fruit at mid-palate. As it develops, darker notes of dried cherries, milk chocolate, and baking spice emerge, with hints of smoky char and herbaceous pine that recall the whiskey's distinctive ale-wash origins.

Finish: Medium-long with young oak warmth, brown sugar sweetness, and lingering butterscotch. A chocolate note persists alongside vanilla malt and gentle baking spice, fading cleanly.

How to Drink Westward

Neat or with a few drops of water is the ideal starting point — water opens up the fruit and honey notes while softening the new-oak influence. A single large ice cube also works well, rounding the malt sweetness without diluting the whiskey's character.

In cocktails, Westward's malty depth and fruit-forward profile make it a versatile base. A Gold Rush plays off the whiskey's natural honey and lemon notes for a seamless pairing. An Old Fashioned lets the caramel and dark fruit character shine against bitters and a citrus twist. A Whiskey Sour benefits from the malt's inherent sweetness, requiring less added sugar and delivering a richer, more textured drink.

Best For

• Introducing craft beer enthusiasts to American single malt whiskey
• Gifting a whiskey collector exploring the American single malt category
• After-dinner sipping alongside chocolate or stone fruit desserts
• Building a home bar anchored by distinctive American-made spirits

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Westward taste like? Westward delivers a rich profile of creamed honey, vanilla, and ripe stone fruit up front, transitioning into darker notes of dried cherry, milk chocolate, and baking spice, all supported by a bold charred-oak backbone.

How does Westward compare to Westland American Single Malt? Both are 100% malted barley American single malts, but Westward's ale-yeast fermentation and exclusive use of new charred American oak give it a bolder, more fruit-forward and wood-driven character compared to Westland's range of varied cask finishes and more cereal-forward house style. Westward tends to drink richer and sweeter, while Westland often leans earthier and more nuanced depending on the expression.

Is Westward good for sipping neat? Yes — at 45% ABV it sits at an approachable proof that delivers full flavor without excessive heat, making it an excellent neat pour for anyone familiar with bourbon or Scotch single malts.

Where is Westward made? Westward is distilled at House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon, using two-row malted barley sourced from the Pacific Northwest region.

What foods pair well with Westward? Dark chocolate truffles complement the whiskey's cocoa and malt notes. Grilled stone fruits like peaches mirror its fruity aromatics. Aged cheddar or Gruyère balances the oak-driven sweetness. Roasted hazelnuts echo the nutty, toasty undercurrent. Smoked salmon plays off the subtle char and herbaceous qualities.

What sizes does Westward come in? Westward American Single Malt is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Westward worth the price? Westward positions as a premium American single malt, priced above most mainstream bourbons but competitive within the growing American single malt segment, where its Double Gold medal, ale-yeast production method, and double pot distillation represent genuine craftsmanship rather than marketing novelty.

Why Westward?

What separates Westward from the growing field of American single malts is its brewing-first philosophy — every batch starts as a genuine artisanal ale, not just a grain wash designed for efficiency. That ale-yeast fermentation creates a flavor foundation that no column-still or standard-yeast process can replicate, resulting in a herbaceous, fruit-rich complexity that earned it Double Gold at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The exclusive use of new charred American oak adds a distinctly American accent — bold vanilla, caramel, and smoky char — that sets it apart from Scotch-influenced competitors. For anyone serious about understanding where American single malt whiskey is headed, Westward is essential drinking.