The Pacific Northwest is famous for many things, but whiskey is quickly climbing that list.
Whether you’re looking for something classic but new, or something truly experimental and a little out there, Oregon and the wider Portland area have plenty to tempt curious whiskey drinkers. Westward Whiskey has been the name most closely associated with pushing the region forward, helping to establish a new realm of American whiskey.
American single malt, in particular, is now one of the fastest-growing categories in the U.S., and Westward deserves real credit for helping to build both the demand and the conversation around it.
So, that is the brand we’ll be focusing on today, with a few other Oregon whiskey names worth mentioning along the way.
What Is Westward Whiskey?
Based in Portland, Oregon, Westward produces American single malt whiskeys. The core expression is made from 100% malted barley, double pot distilled, aged in lightly toasted new American oak, and bottled at 45% ABV.
It is a fascinating meeting point between the traditional production methods of single malt whisky and the fresh American oak influence more often associated with bourbon and rye. That said, Oregon’s climate gives it a different character from whiskey made in Kentucky or Tennessee.
The wetter, more temperate climate of the Pacific Northwest allows for a gentler wood influence. Westward also uses lightly toasted oak rather than heavily charred barrels, which helps create a softer, more fruit-driven style.
On the nose, it is full of fresh maple syrup, green apples, white pears, and dark chocolate. Very enticing. On the palate, you get spiced fruits, cherries, malted biscuits, more chocolate, and a little tingle of tobacco spice. The finish brings more chocolate, a touch more tobacco, and some sweet, decadent brown sugar.
How Does Westward Compare With Scotch Single Malt?
Westward shares the same grain base and broadly the same distillation method as Scotch single malt, but that is where the similarities start to fade. Not in a negative way, though.
Ageing in a more temperate climate, using new American oak with a lighter toast rather than a heavy char, gives Westward a flavour profile that is different from most Scotch single malts. It is generally more delicate than heavily charred American whiskey, but still brings vanilla, tobacco, chocolate, and plenty of fresh fruit.
Comparing a regular bottle of Westward next to a Highland or Speyside Scotch single malt is genuinely interesting. You can see the shared single malt DNA, but the Oregon climate and American oak push it in a very different direction.
What Other Oregon Whiskeys Are Worth Trying?
McCarthy’s Peated Oregon Single Malt is definitely worth seeking out. Produced by Clear Creek Distillery, one of the pioneers of micro-distilling in the United States, it has a much more heavily peated profile.
Expect seaweed, iodine, oak, and peat smoke. This is much closer in style to classic Islay Scotch single malts such as Ardbeg and Laphroaig. It is divisive, but if that is your thing, it is absolutely worth trying.
Rogue Spirits also produces a really interesting single malt whiskey. It is made with 100% malted barley, with 10% of the two-row barley smoked with apple and alder wood. It is aged for a minimum of five years in level three char new American oak.
The result is soft, sweet smoke, with some welcome ginger spice and fresh maltiness. Honestly, quite tasty stuff.
Is Oregon Whiskey Worth Buying?
Absolutely. Oregon whiskey started as part of the American micro-distilling movement, but it has now grown into something with genuine global recognition.
This is no longer a style of whiskey made by your friend’s friend in a shed. These are serious brands, some of which have attracted major investment, appeared on back bars around the world, and helped shape the conversation around American single malt.
If you enjoy single malts and like trying new things, Oregon whiskey should be on your radar. If you see one in a good bottle shop or whisky bar, give it a go.
Why Oregon Whiskey Deserves A Place On Your Shelf
Oregon whiskey is no longer a niche curiosity. It now has a rightful place at whisky shows, major bar events, cocktail showcases, and on the shelves of drinkers who want something different.
At its best, the style embraces the traditional elements that whisky drinkers around the world already love, while adding something distinctly local. Domestic oak, wood smoking, craft beer influences, and the Pacific Northwest climate all play their part.
The result is whiskey that feels rooted in its location. And really, that is as good a reason as any to pay attention.
Read the full article at Westward Whiskey And The Best Oregon Whiskeys Worth Knowing About
